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Soil 2 Surface: Workshops

Learn how to create color from the natural world. Turn fruits, flowers, mushrooms, seeds and roots into natural dyes to paint with.

All materials are provided.

Although I’ve been an artist for many years, it’s only in the past nine that I’ve fully immersed myself in sustainable practices, botanical palettes, and organic, earth-friendly recipes. My journey has included in-depth research into mycology and participation in residencies where I’ve learned directly from scientists, biologists, mycologists, anthropologists, color practitioners, marine biologists, and a diverse array of artists and innovators who are using their work to effect real change. In my workshops, 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. Participants learn about mordants, tannins, and mordant modifiers, and we examine fossils and natural materials to create custom palettes using fall leaves, fruits, flowers, seeds, roots, and mushrooms. All materials are provided, and many workshops are held in partnership with sustainable brands that share a commitment to healthy, regenerative practices. Each participant receives 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.

2025
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Family Workshop Saturday, October , 11, 10am-noon (2 hour workshop)
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. 

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Adult workshop: Sunday, March 9th, 2-4pm,

Monroe County Public Library Southwest Branch, Bloomington, IN

Making Botanical Dyes: In this two hour workshop, we will process avocado seeds into pink and red natural dyes.

This workshop is closed.​ This workshop is sponsored by Fresh Thyme: each participant will receive a bag of natural health aids like creams, hair care etc. 

Youth workshop: Ages 8-14, Saturday April 5th, 1-3pm.

Soul Craft, Bloomington, IN.

Forage, Fossils & Fun! (6-12yrs. old)

In this 2 hour workshop, we will forage from the grounds of Soul Craft and make our own bio art paintings. Botanical paints will be prepared for you to paint with. We will also observe fossils that are millions of years old which were found right here in Bloomington! All materials are included in addition to handheld magnifying glasses that allow us to be up close to nature to observe our fossils. A gift bag of art materials and the handheld magnifying glass comes with this workshop.

This workshop is sponsored by The Minnetrista Museum and Gardens. 

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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.  

2024
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2023

Youth 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.

This workshop was sponsored by:

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2022

Adult workshop I. January 29
Botanical Palettes, Mycelium as Medium + the Importance of Trees at
Studio Alchemy Gallery, Indianapolis.

Images from past workshops

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