Printmaking by the People

Photo by L & DaVinci Art Alliance taken during the workshop “Blueprint for our Future: Declarations of Interdependence” led by teaching artists Sofie Rose Seymour and Joy Lai.

What’s It All About?

What would the Declaration of Independence say if it could be written today?

What visions do Philadelphians have for the promise of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness?”

Next year marks the 250th anniversary of the writing of the Declaration of Independence. This city-wide project will feature discussions about essential aspects of freedom, the importance of printing in communicating and mobilizing during the Revolutionary era, and the urgency of poster-making as a means of advocating for change. Participants in dozens of workshops around the city will create their own posters to express their ideas about the rights that are essential for a just, inclusive and sustainable community. The work will inspire a signature mural and an exhibition at the Free Library of Philadelphia.

Upcoming Workshop Schedule

Silkscreens and Signatures!

Saturday, September 20 | 2-4 pm | Kingsessing Library | 1201 S 51st ST | Free

Join artists Kathryn Lien and civics teacher Grace Palladino in exploring Philly’s rich printmaking history, the world’s most famous break-up letter & how to start a revolution!

Participants will be taking a deep dive into the history or the Declaration itself, the writers and who they ripped off and some lesser known Philadelphians who brought it to the masses. Participants will also be learning how to screen print and taking home an original work inspired by the document and our fair city’s storied past. Make one print to keep and one to donate to our archive, which will inspire a major mural in Center City next year and could be chosen for an exhibition at the Free Library in spring, 2026. This event is free and open to the public.

Ages 14+ and no prior printing experience is necessary. Space is limited. Please register on Eventbrite

Read about what it’s like to attend a workshop in this blog post!

Read about our project launch last year in this blog post.