Natural Indigo: Use and Preparation

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Saturday February 20

10:00 AM  –  11:00 AM

with Radha Pandey
Sat–Sun, February 20 & 21; 10–11am CST


Learn how to set up and maintain the fruit vat—a type of natural indigo vat. Instruction will cover the history of indigo in India, how to be conscientious when sourcing this and other dyes, using natural indigo for projects on cloth, reviving the vat for re-use over a long period, as well as safe disposal of the vat after you are finished with it. This virtual workshop will also cover shibori or resist-dyeing as a demonstration, and will provide general information and resources on these techniques. Saturday will cover vat setup and the history of indigo. The vat will take overnight to reduce, or ready itself for dyeing, which will take place on Sunday.

All skill levels welcome!
Certificate: 2 hours, Category D

$35/participant
$15 for BIPOC participants
*We are offering a reduced rate to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) participants to honor equity and increase access and artistic opportunities for those who have historically been underrepresented in the book arts. For individuals to whom this does not apply, register at the rate listed first and, if you are able, consider making a donation when registering to support MCBA’s efforts to make reduced rates available.

What you'll need to participate: For this participatory virtual workshop, we recommend joining on a laptop or desktop computer with a microphone, if possible. A camera is optional. You will receive step-by-step instructions for downloading Zoom (it’s free!) and accessing the workshop online approximately 2 days before the workshop’s start date.

Materials: You are responsible for sourcing your own supplies and doing the required prep outlined on the materials list. Teaching artists will answer questions about the materials list in advance of the workshop.

Please note: Registration closes 2/14 at midnight (CST).


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