Safer Intaglio Japan
September 26 (Sat) - 27(Sun), 2026
Imadate Art Museum
Echizen Washi Village - Fukui - Japan
Join Marnix EVERAERT (Belgium) and Shichio MINATO (Japan) on 26–27 September 2026 for an intensive two-day programme of demonstrations and lectures exploring some of the latest developments in non-toxic intaglio printmaking.
This programme is intended for artists, educators, printmakers, students, studio technicians, and anyone interested in a safer and more sustainable approach to intaglio printmaking. Whether you are experienced in printmaking or looking to expand your knowledge of contemporary intaglio techniques, you will gain valuable insights into current international practices.
Through lectures, live demonstrations, comparative testing of materials, and open discussions, participants will explore innovative methods that reduce health and environmental risks while maintaining the highest artistic standards.
Hosted in Echizen Washi Village, the programme will also introduce the unique potential of traditional Japanese handmade paper for contemporary intaglio printmaking.
This is a demonstration and lecture programme, rather than a conventional hands-on workshop. Participants will have opportunities to examine materials and processes closely and take part in selected practical try-outs.
Looking ahead to Spring 2027, Marnix Everaert and Shichio Minato are planning an intensive five-day International Masterclass in Non-Toxic Intaglio Printmaking in Japan. Further details will be announced soon.
If you would like to receive updates for the 2027 workshop, please leave your email address here.
A good understanding of English is preferred; Japanese-language support will be available for Japanese speakers if needed.
Programme -
Friday, 25 September 2026 (Optional) ○ 3pm > 6pm
For participants arriving early or staying at the accommodation (see below: venue and accommodation).
Check-in, welcome gathering, informal introduction
Saturday, 26 September 2026 ○ 9am > noon - 1pm > 5pm
Lecture - Why Safer Printmaking?
Current issues, advantages, limitations, and future perspectives of safer intaglio printmaking.
Demonstrations
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Metals - copper, zinc and aluminium
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Mordants - ferric chloride and copper sulfate
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Plate Backing: tape, contact paper, DIY acrylic plate backing
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Stop-out: BIG Stop-out, DIY Acrylic Stop-out
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Soft Ground: Ironbridge soft ground, DIY soy-based soft ground
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Hard Ground: BIG hard ground, Ironbridge hard ground
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Cleaning Practice: plates, ink slabs, rollers
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General studio maintenance
Sunday, 27 September 2026 ○ 9am > noon - 1pm > 4pm
Questions & Discussion - review of the previous day's demonstrations and open discussion.
All Questions about Intaglio Answered Scientifically - a closer look at the book by
Prof. Shichio MINATO, Prof. Masaaki OHYA and Asst. Prof. Fumihiro NISHIMURA
Demonstrations
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Aluminium aquatint (no spray required)
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Spray Aquatint - best practice for airbrush users, DIY spray aquatint
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Lift Ground - coffee lift, sugar lift
Registration fee -
Demonstration & Lecture (2 days) > ¥30,000
Art Hall Imadate - Echizen
Capacity: 20 participants (first-come, first-served).
Demonstration & Lecture + 3 nights accommodation > ¥40,000
Stay at: Kon-nichi-Tei, Echizen City (see below)
Capacity: 10 participants (first-come, first-served).
Who? -
Marnix Everaert is one of Europe's leading specialists in non-toxic intaglio printmaking. He is the former Professor of Printmaking at the Academy for Visual Arts, Ghent (Belgium) and for more than two decades has lectured and demonstrated internationally, promoting safer and more sustainable printmaking practices.
Shichio Minato is Professor of Art Education at the University of Fukui, Japan, and a printmaker specializing in non-toxic intaglio printmaking. His research focuses on safer printmaking materials, contemporary intaglio techniques, and international collaboration in art education.
Venue & accommodation -
The event will take place in the Art Hall Imadate - Echizen
11-1-1 Awatabe-cho, Echizen City,
Fukui Prefecture - 915-0242 Japan
TEL. 0778-42-2700
https://maps.app.goo.gl/CeqWZmSxhSb1rbdd
We can offer accommodation (2 nights included in the registration fee) for 10 persons on base of first- come, first-served.
Kon-nichi-Tei is in walking distance from the Art Hall Imadate.
2-6 Sadatomo-cho,Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture - 915-0231Japan
How to get there -
Car and train are the easiest ways to get to Echizen.
From Tokyo Station, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Fukui Station (three hours) and continue by train to Takefu Station (20 minutes).
From Kyoto Station, take the Thunderbird Line to Tsuruga Station (one hour), followed by the Hapi Line Fukui from Tsuruga Station to Takefu Station (30 minutes).
For international travelers: the most convenient way to get to the Washi Village is to take a taxi at Takefu Station.