Ecological Arts: Workshops and Summer Camps in the SF Bay Area

2009 WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

Bay Area Discovery Museum Camp
June 15 th -19 th
July 6 th -10 th
August 3 rd -7 th

Children will learn to work with native local plants to make dyes, paper, and fiber. We will explore natural building, weaving, and felting, all within the Fort Baker landscape at the edge of the Bay. The day is balanced between activities that stimulate the mind, support the body, and enhance a sense of community between children and their teacher. Using story, movement games, time outside, and hands-on activities, children are joyfully engaged and leave with a sense of accomplishment, and confidence.

Sign up through the Bay Area Discovery Museum or email hposner@badm.org

Fairfax Natural Dye Day
Sustainable Fairfax Gardens
Aug. 1 10-4pm

This one-day class focuses on dye making the natural way. Common native perennials, and invasive species will be used to create a myriad of colors. Participants will learn how to
harvest, where to harvest, and when. We will explore the general patterns of local land-use history, and its effects on our relationships with these plants. We will learn how to prepare
animal or plant fibers for dyeing. Dye vats from five plants will be made ready for us to experiment with, using locally sourced wool, and silk as our palettes.

$50-75 Sliding Scale.

To register contact resplondir@comcast.net.

West Marin Commons Day Of Dyes
Aug. 10th 10-4pm

This class will take place at the gorgeous Point Reyes Livery Stable, where West Marin Commons is creating a native forb garden. This class will focus on using species such as
crabgrass and fennel- species often in need of removal, as well as native perrenials that make great additions to the restoration garden. We will make dyes from it all, utilizing solar
cooking when we can. A slide show on regional textile fibers and ethnobotanic practices will be shared.

The event is a sliding scale, $60-75
An incredible lunch will be served for a small additional price.

Contact Elizabeth Barnet at westmarincommons@svn.net.

Salmon Protection and Watershed Agency
Network Benefit Dye Day
August 19th 10-4pm

Beginning with a hike in the beautiful Lagunitas Watershed, one of the last viable salmon habitats in Marin County, we will visit the ecosystems where these sacred and incredible dye
plants live. We will learn about the successful restoration work that SPAWN is actively doing with these special native perennials.
On this day we will both observe these plant species within the ecosystem, as well as explore the wide variety of color they offer us in the dye vat.

The cost is $30 for members and $65 for new members.
(The $65 includes an annual membership w/ SPAWN)

Contact: Paola@Tirn.Net, PH. 415 663-8590 ext.111

Visit http://www.spawnusa.org for information about this wonderful organization.

Natural Dyes for Roots Students
California School of Herbal Studies
Sept. 22nd

Open to Roots students. This one-day class will be held at the school's incredible garden and kitchen lab. A presentation on natural dye traditions from SouthEast Asia, followed by a conversation about the process of re-invigorating and creating a natural dye and textile tradition for Northern California. Students will learn the dye plant species, how to harvest, when to harvest, and will learn basics of when to harvest native perrenial dye plant seed, for cultivation in restoration gardens.

To register contact resplondir@comcast.net.

Berkeley Botanic Garden Day of Dyes
Oct. 4th 10-3pm

The fabulous 34 acre Berkeley Botanical Garden is hosting a day of native plant dye making. The garden hosts a vibrant native California zone, as well as a myriad of dye plants which we will explore in depth. We will make dyes the natural way, using common native perennials, as well as using several 'invasive' species. Participants will learn the art and ethical practice of harvesting. We will explore the general patterns of local land-use history, and its effects on our relationships with these plants. We will learn how to prepare animal or plant fibers for dyeing. Dye vats from five plants will be made ready for us to experiment with, using locally sourced wool, and silk as our palettes.

Cost of the workshop for members is $65 and $75 for guests.

Call the Garden directly to sign up, at (510) 643-7265.