I am applying for this LPDF grant to attend a professional workshop at Zea Mays Printmaking studio in Florence, Massachusetts, on the topic of photopolymer plates. I will be teaching two art-printmaking classes at the Residential College during winter 2015 semester. I am interested in covering as wide a range of printmaking techniques as possible, while still maintaining the classroom as a non-toxic studio. I believe that, given current ecological and environmental concerns, it is important to shift towards processes that minimize use and exposure to hazardous substances. Under typical circumstances the last directive would unfortunately eliminate intaglio, as etching is a process which traditionally uses an acid to etch copper/zinc plates, along with the use of powerful solvents and tar-based compounds. However, in the last decade non-toxic alternatives, such as photopolymer plates, have emerged in the field of printmaking. These plates feature a steel-backed photopolymer plate with a photo-sensitive polymer emulsion on top. The only equipment and chemicals that this process requires is an exposure-unit (already available at the Residential College), and water for developing. There are no acid or toxic solvents required at all. The results are comparable to traditional copper plates. The use of these plates would allow the students a unique opportunity to explore intaglio printmaking within the parameters of a non-toxic studio. I would like to attend this workshop to learn more about the process so that I may be able to incorporate it into the curriculum for winter 2015 and future semesters.