Carve a Block for ECAT's Big Art Day

Carve a Block for ECAT's Big Art Day

Purchase a block, carve your design, and have it printed by a 3,000lb steamroller during ECAT’s Big Art Day!

By Erie Center for Arts and Technology

Date and time

Saturday, July 19 · 10am - 4pm EDT

Location

1902 Cherry St

1902 Cherry Street Erie, PA 16502

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 7 days before event

About this event

  • Event lasts 6 hours

Be Part of Big Art Day: Create a Giant Steamroller Print!

Artists, printmakers, and creatives of all kinds are invited to join Big Art Day by carving an original design that will be printed live using a 3,000 lb steamroller as the press!

Your carved block will become part of a collaborative, large-scale print created on-site during this community celebration of art, creativity, and hands-on making.


What You’re Signing Up For:

  • Purchase one or four 6" x 6" MDF carving blocks to participate
  • Pick up your block(s) at ECAT or Grounded Printshop
  • Carve your design in advance (plan for 1–5 hours per block, depending on detail)
  • Submit your completed block(s) by Monday, July 7 at 8 PM
  • Your print(s) will be made live during Big Art Day on Saturday, July 19, 2025 using a 3,000 lb steamroller
  • You keep your final print!


Block Pickup Locations:

  • ECAT – 650 East Avenue, Erie, PA | Mon-Fri, 9-4pm or by appointment
  • Grounded Printshop – 1902 Cherry Street, Erie, PA | Mondays 5-9 PM


This Year’s Carving Theme: City Life

Design a person, plant, or animal found in your community—interpreted in your own unique style! Your design will be added to a growing image library and featured in a collaborative cityscape collage printed live during the event.


Registration Details:

  • 1 Block – $15
  • 4 Blocks – $40 (Great for families or groups of friends!)
    Each registration includes the block(s), access to carving tools during open studios, and a printed copy of your design(s) made during the event.
  • Limited blocks available—reserve yours early!


Important Dates + Events:


Open Studio Nights at Grounded Printshop
Mondays from 5–9 PM

  • June 23
  • June 30
  • July 7 (last day to carve & submit!)

Carving tools will be available for use during these open studio nights. These sessions are perfect if you need tools, space, or guidance.


Block Submission Deadline

Submit your finished block by Monday, July 7 at 8 PM
Celebrate with us that night at Grounded Printshop—share your design and pull your first print!


Big Art Day

Saturday, July 19, 11 AM–4 PM at Grounded Printshop
Watch your work come to life under a 3,000 lb steamroller!


Want Your Own Carving Tools?

If you'd prefer to carve at home, we recommend this beginner-friendly woodcut tool set available on Amazon:
Kakuri Japanese Woodcut Set

Tickets

Organized by