A program at the High Museum in Atlanta invites participants to explore how plants, minerals, and other natural materials can be utilized to dye fabric, producing rich, layered, and often unexpected results. This series provides foundational dyeing techniques and encourages experimentation with color, pattern, and texture, culminating in a collection of dyed textile samples. Throughout the program, participants will connect their creative processes to artists and traditions featured in the museum’s collection, revealing how diverse cultures have employed natural dyes to tell stories, preserve heritage, and celebrate the beauty of the natural world.
Week 1: The program begins with an introduction to the history and possibilities of natural dyeing. Participants will learn how to extract color from natural materials such as plants and minerals, as well as the processes of scouring, mordanting, and preparing fabric for dye. Initial dye baths will be created using accessible, kitchen-friendly ingredients like onion skins, turmeric, and hibiscus, allowing them to witness how nature leaves its mark on cloth.
Week 2: Participants will delve deeper into the arts of layering and resist. Techniques such as bundle dyeing and folded resist will be explored to create organic prints and unexpected color variations. As fabric samples grow, participants will gain insight into how factors such as temperature, fabric type, and plant sources influence results, fostering a trust in experimentation as an integral part of the process.
Week 3: The focus will shift to surface design, where participants will use their naturally dyed fabrics to experiment with printing, painting with thickened dye, and stitching to add texture and dimension. This week will encourage the development of a personal visual language through shape, color, and pattern.
Week 4: The program will conclude with participants bringing their samples together in a small textile collage or wall hanging that reflects their journey through color and cloth. Simple finishing and display techniques will be explored, allowing participants to reflect on their learning experiences. By the end of the program, they will leave with a deeper appreciation for natural dyes, a collection of dyed and designed fabrics, and a tactile reminder of their creative exploration.
