Dye Workshop Series with AIRs Aida Tejada & Debora Rosental

Deering Estate Presents Dye Workshop Series with AIRs Aida Tejada & Debora Rosental

Join Artists-in-Residence Aida Tejada and Debora Rosental for a hands‑on workshop exploring the art of dyeing and painting with pigments derived from Florida’s native plants. Participants will be introduced to the fundamentals of natural color making through a guided demonstration on preparing plant based paints, mixing formulas, and understanding the unique variations that emerge from different species. The session begins with an overview of the plants used in the workshop and their traditional applications in natural dye practices. Guests will then create a sampler of color studies using provided materials, followed by the opportunity to design a personalized piece with stencils and hand applied pigments. All materials are included, and each participant will leave with their own set of naturally dyed artworks. This beginner friendly workshop series will be offered on multiple dates from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with tickets available for $30 on Eventbrite.

Event Details:
Dates:

Saturday, May 23rd, 2026

Saturday, August 8th, 2026

Saturday, October 10th, 2026

Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Location: Deering Estate Pump House

16701 SW 72nd Avenue, Palmetto Bay Fl 33157

Ages 12+

Tickets at $30 available through Eventbrite.

Tickets can be purchased ONLINE. No refunds, exchanges or rainchecks.

About the Artists-in-Residence:

Aida Tejada, born in the Dominican Republic, brings an interdisciplinary and materially driven approach to her practice. She holds an MFA from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, along with a degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Communication. Informed by her multicultural background, Tejada’s work explores the poetics of reconstruction through the use of natural and reclaimed materials. Working across multiple media, she engages in processes of mixing, shaping, and mending, treating material as a living archive that carries memory as an evolving presence. Tejada has exhibited widely in solo and group exhibitions. Her work has received multiple honors, including two First Place awards from the International Society of Experimental Artists. It has been selected for The Florida Biennial 2022 at the Hollywood Art and Culture Center. She has participated in artist residencies at the Deering Estate (2014 and 2026) and the Studios in the Mile (2020). She is also co-author of the 2025 publication South Florida Color Palette: Native Plants and Natural Dyes.

Debora Rosental is an Argentinian artist based in Miami, Florida. With a background as a Biochemist, Pharmacist, and a Doctorate in Cellular Biology, she brings a researcher’s eye to the traditional crafts of weaving, embroidery, and natural dyeing. She takes an experimental approach to her work. She goes beyond traditional fabric by using innovative biomaterials and dyes made from native Florida plants. Through her art, Rosental explores how humans affect nature and uses her work to advocate for environmental protection and cultural heritage. Rosental is a two-time winner of the Miami Individual Artist (MIA) Grant (2024–2026). Her work has been shown at the Coral Gables Museum, the Handweaving Museum, Florida International University (FIU), the Coral Springs Museum of Art, and the Doral Cultural Arts Center. She is a co-author of the published book: South Florida Color Palette. Natural Dyes and Native Plants.

About the Deering Estate:

Deering Estate, located at 16701 SW 72 Ave. in Miami, is a 21st Century house museum, cultural and ecological field station, and a national landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places, owned by the State of Florida and managed by Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department. Deering Estate is designated as one of seven Miami Dade County “Heritage Parks” which have a vital role in our community’s history, environment and in providing recreational and cultural experiences.

Cultural Arts Programming at the Deering Estate is made possible with the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners, and The Deering Estate Foundation, Inc. Programming in the Deering Estate theater is also possible thanks to The Jorge M. Perez Family Foundation at The Miami Foundation.

About the Deering Estate Foundation:

For those who treasure the Deering Estate, who advocate for its preservation and wish to invest in its future, The Deering Estate Foundation provides opportunities for individuals and corporations alike to partake in membership, signature events, and one-of-a-kind experiences, all in service of providing vital funding and support to the Deering Estate. Through these efforts, the foundation fulfills its mission to uphold the legacy of Charles Deering's cherished 1920s-era property, to provide funding for the cultural, educational and recreational experiences it offers, as well as its significant scientific and archaeological endeavors to conserve its diverse flora, fauna and the eight native ecosystems that thrive on its 450 acres, and to ensure its longevity as a prized American heritage site. Established in 1989, The Deering Estate Foundation, Inc. is a community-based charitable 501(c) 3 Florida Corporation and the philanthropic partner of the Deering Estate.

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To request materials in accessible format, sign language interpreters, and/or any accommodation to participate in any County-sponsored program or meeting, please contact Miami-Dade Parks ADA Coordinator at 305-755-7848 or email, [email protected], five days in advance to initiate your request. TTY users may also call 711 (Florida Relay Service).

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