NATURAL DYES, COLORFUL TEXTILES SENIOR LEARNER (AGES 55+) WORKSHOP

The University of Southern Indiana’s Historic New Harmony Program will present Natural Dyes, Colorful Textiles, a workshop for senior learners (ages 55 and over) in August and September. This workshop will engage participants in creating a palette of naturally dyed yarns and fabrics using plants native to Indiana. Instructor Peggy Taylor of Loom Hall Textiles and Raintree Cottage Textile School in New Harmony will introduce natural dyes as a traditional folk-art form and will guide participants through the sustainable cultivation of dye plants, the history and methods of extracting pigments from dye plants and the creation of naturally dyed wool yarns and fabrics.

There will be two sessions held over consecutive weekends during August and September. The first session will be held on August 11, 12, 18, and 19, and the second session will be held on September 8, 9, 15, and 16. Classes will be held daily from 10:00 am to noon and 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm (CDT) at Historic New Harmony’s Double Log Cabin and the David Lenz House Garden, located at 324 North Street in New Harmony. The workshops are free, and all materials will be provided. Safe practices will be observed during classes, and participants should wear casual clothing that can get dirty and closed-toe shoes.

Participants must pre-register to attend. Please call Historic New Harmony at 812-682-4488, ext. 3920 to reserve your seat today! The registration deadline for the first session is Friday, August 4, and the deadline for the second session is Friday, September 1. Please provide accommodation needs upon registering.

This activity is made possible in part by the Indiana Arts Commission, which receives support from the State of Indiana and the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s Division of Aging.