By Kris Hurst, Arts Engagement Coordinator
Sustainable art-making involves awareness of environmental issues, such as the materials artists use to create their works, reducing waste, and adopting practices that can reduce the impact on the environment. Ignite Studio will offer workshops taught by artists who are eco-dyeing using flowers and plants, bio-painting using avocados and blueberries, and using old books for journal-making. Other workshops include a portable and better-for-the-environment way to do your own screen printing. Also, come celebrate the 2024 Solar Eclipse as we make an eco-friendly print recreating the stages of the moon coming between the sun and earth and make more sustainable art in Ignite!
Sustainable Art Programs
Altered Journals with Teaching Artist Meg Marshall
Sat. 2/10 | 11:00am-12:30pm | IGN
Sat. 2/10 | 2:00-3:30pm | IGN
Add design elements to pre-made altered hardback books and learn several creative approaches for journaling. Possible design elements include sewing, adding moving parts, and using recesses for mixed media application. An overview of color theory, “Word Art” process, shape and line work methods, and composition will be covered. Registration begins two weeks prior to class. Ages 13 and up.
Eco-Dyed Pillow Cover with Teaching Artist Cheryl Lo
Sat 3/2 | 11:00am-12:30pm | IGN
Sat 3/2 | 2:00-3:30pm | IGN
Experience the beauty of eco-dyeing. Learn to dye with natural ingredients and create flower and leaf prints through hammering. A great way to infuse new life into your wardrobe or home decor! Registration begins two weeks prior to class. Ages 8 and up.
Art Lab: Eclipse Prints
Wed. 4/3 |11:00am-1:00pm | IGN
Sat. 4/6 |2:00-4:00pm | IGN
Stop by Ignite to make your own print representing the solar eclipse. Using sustainable stamps made from cork and wood, print the stages of the eclipse with water soluble ink. All ages.
Create Botanical Paints with Teaching Artist Maria Schechter – Palettes with Fruits and Flowers
Sat 4/6 | 11:00am-12:30pm | IGN
Learn about the history of color and cave paintings and create your own eco-friendly painting. Cave paintings will lead discussion on the uses of earth pigments and dyes and materials used 19,000 years ago and how they differ from today’s methods of earth pigments and botanical dyes. Patrons will work with blueberries and saffron on watercolor paper made from post-consumer waste. Registration begins two weeks prior to class. Ages 13+.
Create Botanical Paints with Teaching Artist Maria Schechter – Palettes with Avocado and Blueberries
Sat 4/13| 11:00am-12:30pm | IGN
Learn about the “all in one” processing of botanical materials into dyes. The instructor will discuss the importance of trees, which have been used in dyes for thousands of years. Patrons will watch a video on how to process avocado into a dye and then paint with blueberries and avocado on watercolor paper made from post-consumer waste. Registration begins two weeks prior to class. Ages 18+.
Bi-weekly Drop-In Activities include: Silhouette Collage, Gee’s Bend Inspired Quilt Cards, Sustainable Wind Catchers, Sofie Taueber-Arp Inspired Felt Collages, Bottle Cap Art, Sustainable Paper Quilling, and Earth Day Origami Globes.
To see more programs in Ignite and to register, visit our event calendar.