Gyotaku Workshop with Bruce Koike

At the Maritime Museum
Saturday, January 25, 10am-1pm

Bruce Koike

This always popular workshop provides a hands-on introduction to the Japanese technique of fish printing called Gyotaku. The workshop focuses on fish, though there will be opportunities to print other things.

After an initial orientation and demonstration, participants will make their own monochrome (single color) print. Instructor Bruce Koike will then be available one-on-one to critique your print with an eye to refining your technique. The goal of the workshop is for everyone to produce a one-of-a-kind work of art suitable for framing.

Provided at the hands-on workshop are the necessary rice paper, acrylic paints, brushes and, of course, the specimens to be printed. Participants should bring an open mind and enthusiasm to try something new. The final portion of the workshop will focus on the crucial stage of painting eyes on the fish.

Instructor Bruce Koike first learned the technique over 30 years ago and has printed more than 400 different plants and aquatic life, principally fish. Koike has shown his works at venues such as the Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts, the Bellevue Art and Craft Festival, Newport Seafood and Wine Festival and the Blackfish Café (Lincoln City). A Mahi mahi fish print currently hangs in the meeting room of the NOAA vessel, Bell M. Shimada that is home ported in Newport.

Workshop cost is $90 per person and includes all materials. Historical Society members will receive a $10 Discount. Space is limited to just 12 people, so sign up today at the Maritime Museum, or by calling the Historical Society at (541) 265-7509.