Summer School: Japanese Textile Traditions

In this three-day intensive led by artist and educator Tyler Peterson, students will experience a contemporary interpretation of the complete process of creating a happi jacket — transforming blank fabric into custom-dyed, wearable works of art!
The essence of Japanese craftsmanship is represented in the ancient art of katazome, a process that combines humble materials with human ingenuity to create stunningly gorgeous textiles designed for everyday use. Dating back to at least the 12th century with its golden age during the late Edo and Meiji periods (1790-1912), this centuries-old patterning technique utilizes a resist paste created from rice flour, elaborately hand-carved stencils, and rich indigo dye to produce the intricate designs that adorned everything from summer kimonos to household textiles.
In this three-day intensive led by MFA in Applied Craft + Design graduate Tyler Peterson, students will experience a contemporary interpretation of the complete process of creating a happi jacket—the traditional Japanese festival coat that originated during the Edo period as a uniform for workers, servants, and firefighters, each bearing bold emblems and crests for group identification. Originally worn to display family mon or business symbols and later becoming integral to matsuri (festival) celebrations, the happi jacket embodies both practical utility and cultural expression.
Students will be guided through the entire katazome process, including preparation of the resist paste, creation of personalized stencils, application of the paste onto cotton fabric, and natural indigo dyeing. Once the patterned yardage is complete, students will learn to design, pattern, and cut their fabric into a wearable happi jacket. The construction utilizes straightforward machine sewing, allowing the focus to remain on the artistry of the textile itself. This immersive workshop connects students to centuries of Japanese textile tradition while creating a finished garment that bridges historical craft with contemporary expression.
Students are required to bring their own sewing machines to class. While open to beginners, we ask that students know how to thread their machines and sew a straight line prior to class. Upon registration, students will be sent a detailed materials list.
In addition to class hours, students in Summer School intensives will have access to open studio hours for the duration of their workshop, and be able to work independently on their projects from 5pm-8pm.