Discover the magic of indigo dye through an introduction to the indigo plant, and examples of historical and contemporary art works, including shibori. Participants will learn methods of extracting dye along with the process of making and maintaining a vat, a large container of dye in which fabric is submerged. In this hands-on class, students make an indigo vat, learn how to prepare fabric for dyeing, dye samples on cotton swatches, and experiment with shibori techniques to create their own designs on cotton and silk.
All dyeing supplies are included, but please bring a pair of long kitchen gloves.
This program meets in person at the Arboretum.
Instructor: Rachel Davis, artist
Age: 16 and older
Course number: A270
Instructor
Rachel Davis, artist
Rachel Davis received her BA from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh and her MFA in printmaking from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Her work has been exhibited in national venues including the Holter Museum of Fine Art in Helena, Montana; Evergreen Galleries in Olympia, Washington; and the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters in Madison, Wisconsin. She completed a year-long artist-in-residence at Lillstreet Art Center in Chicago in 2018 and an artist-in-residence at the DuPage Children’s Museum in 2019. Currently, she teaches natural dye techniques in the textiles department at Lillstreet Art Center in Chicago.
What to Know
Dyeing supplies are included.
Please bring a pair of long kitchen gloves.
Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, or bring an apron.
Program Schedule
Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Thornhill Education Center (parking lot P-21), West Side
