Workshop
October 18
10am-3pm
Boiceville, NY
Natural Dye Workshop with Katrina Rodabaugh
Our Hudson Valley landscape is brimming with natural dye potential. When we begin to identify local plants for their natural dye properties we gain access to a palette of wildcrafted and foraged color. From roadside weeds to cultivated herb gardens we can extract dyes from our local landscape year-round—though we have an abundance of local color from May through October. In this introductory natural dye workshop, we’ll forage for local plants that produce beautiful color on biodegradable fibers like cotton, linen, hemp, silk, and wool.
We’ll demystify the use of mordants and why they are important in binding plant color to fiber—and what local plants produce their own mordants too. We’ll forage color, prepare dye pots, and produce several hues using various fibers and mordants. This workshop is suited for the beginner dyer curious about using local plants and for the intermediate dyer who has some experience with natural dyes but wants to deepen their practice. Participants will leave with several fiber samples, a pamphlet with resources and step-by-step instructions, and the confidence to continue this work.
Katrina earned a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Environmental Studies and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing with a focus on poetry and book arts. She’s received artist awards from the Zellerbach Family Foundation, Puffin Foundation, Creative Capacity Fund, Vermont Studio Center and more. Since August 2013, she’s focused on her ongoing project, Make Thrift Mend, centered on mending, natural dyes, redesigning textiles, and developing sustainable practices in fashion. She lives with her husband, two sons, fourteen chickens, honeybees, and many plants in the Hudson Valley of NY. www.katrinarodabaugh.com
River Valley Arts Collective is offering this workshop free of charge and specifically designed for Hudson Valley based artists. Lunch, materials, supplies, and tools will be provided.
Because space is extremely limited, we cannot accommodate group RSVPs and ask that artists only RSVP to one workshop per season. If you are interested in participating in this Natural Dye Workshop, please email info@rvacollective.org with “Natural Dye” in the subject line.
RSVPs received after we reach capacity will automatically be added to a wait list. Confirmed participants will be contacted with additional information about workshop location, lunch options, and any other pertinent details.
