Botanical Palettes, Mycelium as Medium + the Importance of Trees

In this sustainable art class we focus on the use of clay, mycelium and the ecological importance of trees at The Studio Alchemy Gallery in Indianapolis, Indiana. The session was designed for adults and included 13 registered participants. Over the course of three hours, students worked with botanical materials—such as fruits and flowers—processed into natural dyes, alongside mycelium as a primary medium. During the class, we explored how mycelium can grow directly onto hot press watercolor paper and how natural dyes readily bond with it. In contrast, acrylics and other synthetic painting materials do not adhere well to mycelium and tend to separate from the surface. However, using natural dyes, clay, and mica minerals you will arrive at amazing formations of color and texture.