A Sustainable Art School
Learn Ancient Practices & Historical Methods used by our Artist Ancestors.
Instruction
After losing paintings in the Caldor fire of 2021, I began research and working towards a sustainable practice. To accomplish this, I began a deep dive into history to enhance my practice and allow it to become informed by historical methods and materials used by our artist ancestors. For the last seven years, I have immersed myself in a sustainable practice, botanical palettes, organic earth-friendly recipes, and the use of mycelium as a medium. My journey has included participation in residencies where I’ve learned directly from anthropologists, biologists, color practitioners, marine biologists, mycologists, and a diverse array of artists and innovators who effect real change with their work through efforts to revive the earth and inspire our communities. For the last four years, I have participated in the Yale University Teacher Leadership Program. This is a cohort of teaching artists who work with the museums collections to further deepen our teaching methodologies. I work exclusively with plant-based materials and natural dyes, embracing processes that are renewable, biodegradable, and deeply connected to the environment. By incorporating recycled and repurposed materials, I extend the life of existing resources and reduce waste, allowing each piece to carry both a history and a renewed purpose. My practice is rooted in mindfulness—working slowly, intentionally, and with respect for the natural cycles that provide the materials I use. Every stage of the process, from sourcing to making, reflects a commitment to minimizing environmental impact while celebrating the beauty and resilience of the natural world. Sustainability is not simply a consideration within my work; it is the foundation of my creative philosophy, shaping both the objects I create and the values they embody. Ancient Kitchen is the research component of my practice and is based on the core principles of ethnobotany; interdisciplinary, cultural context, and sustainability. Ancient Kitchen explores the history of color, color's origin story, tracing its use from ancient times to today, suggesting plants are not only sources of beauty, but also records of human history, science, medicine, and culture.
Botanical Drawing - May, 2027 (Registration is not yet open. Please check back.)
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.
Botanical Painting - June, 2027 (Registration is not yet open. Please check back.)
In botanical painting, learn how to develop a sustainable painting palette using fruits, flowers, roots and seeds and how to paint using these materials. The 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.
Plant Based Pigment making with Yellow Yarrow- Registration is not yet open. Please check back.)
Learn how to select botanical materials like minerals, plants, and insects to develop historical painting palettes similar to those used by Leonardo da Vinci and other masters who came before the mid-1800s. Leonardo’s palettes showed us artistic ability and scientific curiosity use historical methods to develop a botanical painting palette.
Plant Based Pigment making with Pokeberry - Saturday, August 29
Learn how to select botanical materials like minerals, plants, and insects to develop historical painting palettes similar to those used by Leonardo da Vinci and other masters who came before the mid-1800s. Leonardo’s palettes showed us artistic ability and scientific curiosity use historical methods to develop a botanical painting palette.
Plant Based Pigment making with Echinacea - Saturday, September 5th
We will be working with echinacea, another medicinal plant that gives rise to color. Registration opens two weeks before the class. In this class, learn about the historical medicinal properties of the plant, the country of origin, and the mordants that shift the pH of the dye to offer a broad spectrum painting palette. Registration link available two weeks before the start of the class.
Fungi Based Pigment making with Chaga Mushroom - Saturday, October 10th
We will be ethically foraging and making a dye using mushrooms and exploring a special book of recipes, The Mushroom Color Atlas.
Registration opens two weeks before class. You will need to bring foraging materials. We will be foraging before class. This is a 3 hour workshop. We will begin by your local forest or field, then move indoors where we will prepare to process our fungi into a dye to paint with the processing will take place outside. Registration link available two weeks before the start of the class.
The Alchemy of Art & Business – November
First Class: Saturday, November 7
Designed for artists ready to transform their creative practice into a thriving and sustainable business, The Alchemy of Art & Business explores the powerful intersection where creativity, strategy, and purpose meet. This course invites artists to discover the alchemy of business—turning artistic vision into meaningful opportunity through intentional planning, authentic storytelling, and innovative marketing. In our first session, Building Your Business Framework, students will begin crafting the foundation of their creative enterprise by developing a business outline and a marketing strategy that reflects their unique artistic voice. Through creative and experimental approaches to audience engagement, participants will learn how to build genuine connections with the public while laying the groundwork for long-term growth and sustainability. Weekly homework assignments will deepen the concepts introduced in class, helping students refine their business framework, strengthen their marketing presence, and continue the transformative process of turning creative passion into a resilient, flourishing practice.
Register here
Instructor Bio: Maria Schechter
Maria Schechter will be your instructor for these courses. She holds a bachelor of fine art in design from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, Washington. She began her graduate studies at New York University in visual arts administration and later earned a master’s degree in international business from Schiller International University in Heidelberg, Germany, 2009.
With over 30 years of experience as a practicing artist and 15 years as the owner of her own arts consulting business, Maria brings a unique blend of creative expertise, business knowledge, and real-world industry experience to the classroom. Her professional background reflects a deep commitment to helping artists and creative professionals develop their skills, pursue opportunities, and achieve their goals.
Maria believes that success is built through dedication and action: “The way you achieve your goals is by doing the work.” — Jerry Saltz
Explore Maria’s professional business portfolio to learn more about her experience and creative journey. Registration is now open—this class is already filling quickly. Reserve your place today! Learn more here. Maria has designed for Victoria Secret Inc, Sweet Earth, and has been a guest speaker on art and business with the Santa Cruz Arts Council and trained boards on developing 5-year business plans and staff trainings for major brand.
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.
Select Past Workshops
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:
