Community Dye bath

Come learn in community with us as we get to know a plant relative and buggy non-human relative and their wonderdul organic dying abilities! Our farmer friend Matilija will be guiding us in the process. The two organic materials we will be working with are going to be Turmeric and Cochineal.

Turmeric, is a herbaceous plant native to India and Indonesia that is commonly used for it medicinal and culinary uses. However, the plant can also be used to make a beauitful dye and to make you smile! The history of turmeric dyeing dates back centuries, deeply rooted in the traditions of South Asia and Southeast Asia. It is often lauded for its brilliant yellow hue, reminiscent of the sun’s rays. The use of turmeric as a dye agent can be traced back to ancient Vedic culture, where it held a significant place in religious and cultural ceremonies.

Cochineal, is a small scale insect native to subtropical South America and Southawest United States that thrives on the plant Nopal, Prickly Pear cati of the genus Opuntia. The word cochineal is derived from the Latin word “coccinus” meaning “scarlet-colored,” a reference to carminic acid, a red-hued chemical produced by female cochineals and their eggs which is used to make a vibrant red dye. Indigenous people in Puebla, Tlaxcala and Oaxaca devised complex systems to cultivate and harvest both the insect and its host cactus to produce the pigment for dyeing fiber, a process that required an in-depth knowledge of the natural history of both the insect and cactus.

All materials will be provided. We only ask that you bring a 12x12 organic material to dye with. However, if you do not have a material available we will have some available. After we dye you can take your art home to enjoy!

We are offering this event at a sliding scale, however, nobody will be turned away for lack of funds! We hope to see you there!

Host or Publisher Sarvodaya Institute