A Sustainable Art School
Learn Historical Methods and Materials.
Soil 2 Surface: Instruction
I’ve been an artist for 30 years, it’s only in the past eight years that I’ve fully immersed myself in sustainable practices, botanical palettes, and organic, earth-friendly recipes and the use of mycelium as a medium. My journey has included in-depth research into mycology and participation in residencies where I’ve learned directly from scientists, anthropologists, biologists, color practitioners, marine biologists, mycologists, and a diverse array of artists and innovators who are using their work to effect real change through efforts to revive the earth. In my classes, sustainability is at the core of everything we do. We explore the history of color, tracing its use from the Paleozoic Era through the High Middle Ages to today. Participants learn about mordants, tannins, and mordant modifiers, and mycelium as a medium. We examine fossils and natural materials to create customized, eco friendly color palettes used for painting. Many classes are held in partnership with sustainable brands that share a commitment to healthy, regenerative practices. For most in-person classes participants receive a thoughtfully curated gift bag designed to encourage the greening of our homes, bodies, and daily lives—furthering my mission to use healthy materials for a healthier world. All classes can be taken on-line, offline or under private instruction. Inquire on class registration here.
Botanical painting
In botanical painting we learn how to both develop a sustainable painting palette using fruits, flowers, roots and seeds and how to paint using these materials. Botanical dye and paint-making class teaches how to extract pigments from plant materials. Students learn how to accurately depict plants through various painting techniques, emphasizing scientific accuracy and artistic expression.
Culture Mapping Color
The class explores the history of color in ancient civilizations, focusing on how pigments were sourced and utilized in art and life. Key topics will include the writings of Pliny the Elder, who documented ancient materials and techniques, as well as the evolution of color perception and application from the ancient Greeks and Romans to later cultures. Understanding which plants gives rise to color provides insight into why we want to be stewards of the land. Exploring color in this way brings us closer in relation to the earth and to our history as artists.
Botanical Drawing
This class is offered both online and in person. In this botanical drawing learn how to accurately depict plants through various techniques, emphasizing observation and detail. Students learn to capture the form, color, and intricate details of plant species.
Historical Pigment Making
Natural pigment making:
Learn how to select botanical materials like minerals, plants and insects to develop historical painting palettes like those used by Leonardo da Vinci, and many other masters who came before the mid-1800’s. Leonardo’s palettes showed us artistic ability and scientific curiosity use historical methods to develop a botanical painting palette.
PoP-Up Workshops
The classes above are offered in community activities like block parties, Earth day, and in a variety of celebrations. Inquire here to learn how to add color to your city fair, festival or private workshop.
Printing
This class provides a rare combination of structure and freedom. In this class we explore 3 distinct ways to impart plant prints and color on paper and cloth. The class begins with the use of spices and vegetables to create anthotypes, we will also learn how to tap flowers onto cloth, commonly known as flower pounding or hapazome. The last method involves a plant dyed eco print paper with onion skins. Learn what tools and methods are used to roll your botanical materials into beautiful designs on paper and cloth.
2026
Bloomingfoods Pop-up eco-print workshop for the Bloomington community. This is a part of the Bloomingfoods Earthfest2026! Participants took home their own card and envelope to share with someone they would like to wish a Happy Earthfest and/or Mother's Day. I had several visitors and the day was full of exploration of plants that give rise to color.
Family Workshop Saturday, October , 11, 10am-noon (2 hour)
Documenting the Bloomington Community Orchard using 3 print methods. This workshop was sponsored by Target. Each adult received a gift bag of sustainable brands from Target. This was a free workshop and all materials were included.
Click here for a full descripton of the workshop.
2025
Adult workshop: Sunday, March 9th, 2-4pm,
Monroe County Public Library Southwest Branch, Bloomington, IN
Making Botanical Dyes: During this two-hour, hands-on workshop, participants processed avocado seeds to create beautiful pink and red natural dyes. Sponsored by Fresh Thyme, the workshop also included a gift bag for each participant featuring natural wellness items like creams and hair care products. This library is unique because it has a kitchen and each participant had their own burners! Click here for a full description and images of the workshop.
Youth workshop: Ages 8-14, Saturday April 5th, 1-3pm.
Soul Craft, Bloomington, IN.
Forage, Fossils & Fun! (6-12yrs. old)
Participants created their own bio-art paintings and eco-prints using potato vine leaves. We also examined fossils that are millions of years old—discovered right here in Bloomington! All materials were provided, including handheld magnifying glasses that allowed for up-close exploration of nature’s wonders. Each participant received a gift bag with art supplies and a handheld magnifying glass as part of the workshop. Click here for a full description and images from the workshop.
2024
Adult Workshop I. Saturday, August 24
Hamilton Public Library East, "Adult Botanical Workshop": This was a 2 hour workshop. We processed avocado into a dye together at the Ignite Studio on site. Click here for a full description and images of the workshop.
2023
Family Workshop I. July 8
Birds In Our Backyard at The FAR Center for Contemporary Art, Bloomington, IN
Bio Art: Foraged Materials and Botanical Palettes: Bird in Space inspired by Romanian sculptor Brâncuși. We created Birds in Space using foraged materials and painted botanical feathers.
Adult Workshop II. April 22
Botanical Palettes, Mycelium as Medium + the Importance of Trees.
The FAR Center for Contemporary Art, Bloomington, IN, Bio Art: Earth Day. Clic here for the full description and images from the workshop.
This workshop was sponsored by:
2022
Adult workshop I. January 29
Botanical Palettes, Mycelium as Medium + the Importance of Trees at
Studio Alchemy Gallery, Indianapolis.
Click here for the full description and images from the workshop.
