Thursday, September 17, 2026
Tuesday, October 6, 2026

10:00 AM – 2:30 PM

Join us for a brief guided walk around the Ellis Island Hospital grounds, followed by a hands-on workshop led by Jersey City artist Nat Kalbach. You’ll explore the playful, painterly technique of gel printing to create a series of one-of-a-kind postcards inspired by the island’s history and your own life stories.

Spend a memorable day on Ellis Island and make some history of your own. Presented by Save Ellis Island, this special workshop begins with a scenic ferry ride to the island, followed by a guided look at the Ellis Island Hospital Complex, where over one million immigrants once received care. Through this guided walking tour of the historic hospital grounds, you'll discover a lesser-known chapter of American history, one of compassion, medical innovation, and resilience.

Then the creative part begins. In this hands-on workshop led by Jersey City artist Nat Kalbach, you'll explore the playful, painterly technique of gel printing to create a series of one-of-a-kind postcards inspired by the island's history and your own life stories.

No art experience is needed, just your memories and your imagination. Gel printing is wonderfully forgiving and full of happy surprises: using soft gel plates, paint, stencils, and found textures, every print that comes off the plate is unique. You'll layer colors and patterns to design your own postcards, then add personal messages, memories, or a note to someone special.

All materials are provided in individual, ready-to-use kits at your seat. Whether you consider yourself creative or haven't picked up a paintbrush in decades, you'll leave with beautiful, personal artwork, and a story worth sending.

This program is made possible by a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a division of the Department of State, and administered by the Hudson County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs/Tourism Development, Craig Guy, Hudson County Executive & the Hudson County Board of County Commissioners.

While this program was developed with Hudson County seniors in mind, all adults are welcome to participate.

Accessibility Needs or Questions? Please let us know if you have any accessibility needs, mobility considerations, or questions that would help us make your visit as comfortable as possible. While the workshop itself is accessible, please note that portions of the walking tour take place outdoors on uneven surfaces. Email us at info@saveellisisland.org