The cyanotype is an early photographic printing process that uses sunlight and water to create images. Cyanotype images are deep, cyan-blue, and were used in the original blueprint process.

Nevada Humanities, in partnership with Carson City Parks and Recreation, will host a workshop led by visual artist Megan Berner. Participants will create original photograms by arranging objects on sensitized paper. Using natural and found objects to make their prints, participants will learn how to prepare their own cyanotype paper and have an opportunity to experiment with the process. 

Participants are welcome to bring small objects that can be used to create images. Leaves, plants, lace, ribbon, anything with an interesting shape will work well. We will also provide supplies and some objects that participants can use.

This workshop will be conducted outside. Please plan accordingly and wear weather-appropriate clothing. All participants will receive a copy of Sagebrush to Sandstone: A Humanities Guide to Outdoor Nevada. This event is free to the public but it is limited capacity with advance registration required.

Megan Berner

Megan Berner is a visual artist living and working in Reno, Nevada. She graduated with her MFA in Intermedia from the University of Iowa, and a BA from the University of Nevada, Reno, in Photography. Megan works with digital and experimental techniques such as instant film, digital photographic transfers, and cyanotypes. Her work is greatly influenced by the landscape of her native Nevada home as well as the vast prairies of the Midwest, mapping and exploration, and countless hours of daydreaming.

This program is supported with funding by the Charles Redd Center for Western Studies at Brigham Young University and the National Endowment for the Humanities.