Block n’ Roll Print Party – Alexandria Museum of Art

Block Printing - Here’s how it works:

Block: First, an artist carves a design into a block of material, like wood or linoleum. The part of the image you want to print is left raised, while the areas you wish to remain blank are cut away.

'N roll: Next, the artist uses a roller (called a brayer) to spread an even layer of ink over the raised parts of the block.

Printing: Finally, the artist presses the inked block onto a sheet of paper or fabric to transfer the design. This can be done by hand or with a printing press.

Block 'N Roll FAQs

When is Block ’N Roll?

Public programming will be on October 4, 2025, from 10 am – 5 pm*

*Steamroll printing begins at 9 am (artists only)

Where is Block ’N Roll?

What is Block ’N Roll?

What to Expect – The Public:

Print Stations for Kids – veggies, legos and other fun stamps!

Carving demos – Watch printmakers create linoleum block prints in real time – check back for a full schedule of demos.

Print-Your-Own Stations – choose from pre-designed blocks to create your own shirt, tote bag, or bandana; stationary, etc.

Steamroller Printing – artists will be printing BIG on a steamroller. The public is invited to observe the process. Please be mindful of safety barriers while on the property.

Food Trucks and Music – TBA. If you’re interested in being a food vendor, please email Olivia Helmer at olivia@themuseum.org

Are there any fees to attend Block ’N Roll?

Printers

REGISTRATION – please use the link below to register for your preferred time slot. Each one hour time slot will accommodate two artists. As one artist inks their plate, the other will be printing and vice versa. We estimate we can get about 6 prints done for each artist in 1 hour. If you’re organizing a group of artists, please reserve both slot for the hour to accommodate a group. We will not have slots available day-of; please be sure to reserve your time and ink in advance.

INK – We will have ink available for an additional charge but you are welcome to use your own. If you’re using colored ink, please bring your own inking surfaces as we will not have time to clean between printing time slots.

PAPER – You are responsible for providing your own paper, linen or other printing surface. The steamroller can accommodate up to 36” in width so plan accordingly.

BLOCKS - Please keep blocks to a 36" width to fit within the roller press and 1/2" or thicker. Blocks can be made from plywood, linoleum, or MDF board that has been sealed with shellac or polyurethane and dried prior to printing.

SALES – We are not marketing the event as an art sale but if a patron wants to purchase a print from you on the day, the museum may take a 30% commission, as is customary for all museum art sales. You can choose to not take the sale to avoid the commission.

PRINTING - Please be prepared for your reserved time slot. Bring your blocks to the volunteer tent 5 minutes before your start time so we can start inking up your first plates. We will have student volunteers on hand to help ink and prepare your plate.

DRYING – We will have tents available for drying your prints after you finish printing.

CLEAN UP – We suggest bringing large plastic bags to cover your plate after you finish your printing. We won’t have dedicated cleaning areas on site but if you cover your plate, it should be able to be cleaned at a later time. You are welcome to stay on site to clean your block but the museum will not be able to provide cleaning supplies or assistance in cleaning.