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About the artist
Samantha Thompson is a visual artist, printmaker and community arts facilitator who creates playful, hands-on creative experiences that encourage participation, curiosity and connection. Working across printmaking, craft and participatory arts, her practice is centred on making creativity accessible and inviting people of all ages to experiment, make and play. Through workshops, public art projects and community programs, she creates welcoming spaces where people can connect through shared creative experiences.
Community program
During the residency from 10 August - 10 September, Samantha will use the studio as an open and active creative space where visitors can observe, participate in and learn about contemporary printmaking and craft practices. Working on the development of new artworks while welcoming informal conversation and interaction, she will share the processes behind her creative practice and invite the community to engage with making. The residency will include hands-on workshops and opportunities for people to explore printmaking techniques, experiment with materials and contribute to a collaborative creative environment. Through open studio access, creative play and skill-sharing, the residency will foster community connection while celebrating creativity, curiosity and lifelong learning.
Her residency culminates at Oak Flats Eats & Beats Street festival where she will share her popular Playsuits project, inviting adults to dress up in colourful costumes inspired by nature and fantasy. The playful costumes create a shared experience that sparks laughter, conversation and connection between participants.
Free workshops
Make a Stamp
Try your hand at stamp making. This free introductory workshop is the perfect opportunity to discover printmaking, explore a new creative skill, or reconnect with a hobby you may have left behind. No experience is required, and all materials are provided.
Make a Zine
Diiscover the creative world of zine making. Zines are small, self-published booklets that combine images, words, drawings and ideas. In this introductory workshop, you'll explore simple folding techniques and creative page layouts to make your own mini zine to take home. Whether you have a story to tell, a collection to share, or simply want to experiment with a new art form, this relaxed session is a great place to start. No experience is required, and all materials are provided.
Paid workshops
Stamp It Up!
Join a hands-on introduction to designing, carving and printing your own handmade stamps. Working in a supportive and creative environment, you'll learn the fundamentals of stamp making and leave with several unique stamps, along with the skills and confidence to continue creating at home. No experience is necessary, and all materials are provided.
Introduction to Linocut: Design, Carve and Print Your Own Artwork
Discover the art of linocut printmaking. In this beginner-friendly workshop, you'll learn how to design, carve and hand-print your own linocut artwork without using a press. By the end of the session, you'll have a finished print and an understanding of the techniques needed to continue your printmaking journey. No experience is necessary, and all materials are provided.
Reduction Linocut: Design, Carve and Print a Multi-Colour Artwork
Reduction linocut is a relief printing technique that uses a single block, progressively carved and printed in layers, to create vibrant multi-coloured artworks. Because the block is carved away between each printing stage, the process is often described as "the art of no return".
Throughout the day, you'll learn:
The process and history of reduction linocut printing
How to prepare an image for printing
Techniques for transferring an image onto a 15cm x 15cm lino block
How to set up a Ternes-Burton registration system
Multi-layer printing using three colours plus white
Finishing and editioning your artwork
Participants will leave with a completed artwork and several hand-printed editions to take home.
More about Samantha
As part of The Imaginarium Artist-in-Residence Program, regional Victorian artist Samantha Thompson will spend time in Shellharbour connecting with the local community, sharing creative skills and exploring how art can foster play, conversation and meaningful community connections. Through workshops and informal engagement, residents will have the opportunity to experience Samantha's unique artistic perspective and contribute to a rich exchange of ideas and experiences. There are a range of free and paid workshops on offer.
A special invitation goes out to emerging and established artists who may wish to drop in for a one-on-one chat about play, printmaking and regional practice 10 August - 10 September. To set up a meeting with Samantha, email arts@shellharbour.nsw.gov.au
