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 seven 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.
I’m excited to be moving my studio from Bloomington to Fishers this summer. From May 4 through mid-August, I’ll be serving as the Ignite Studio Maker-in-Residence. I’m truly looking forward to working with the Hamilton County community and with the friends and residents of the Hamilton East Public Library in Fishers—home to the dreamy Ignite Studio.
While I was recently in New York, I found myself telling friends that I wish every library had an Ignite Studio. It’s easily my favorite library space to date. I’m a connoisseur of art, books and water, and if you come visit me during my residency, you’ll quickly discover why. I’m absolutely delighted and can’t wait for this summer experience.

2026

2025

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.

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!
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.

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
Youth Workshop II. Saturday, August 31
Hamilton Public Library East, "Youth Botanical Workshop 13+": This was a 2 hour workshop. We discussed and reviewed images from cave paintings which are a type of parietal art. Using our own earth pigments we developed our first eco-art painting. The botanical and fruit painting palette consist of avocado, blueberry and onion.
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:



2022
Adult workshop I. January 29
Botanical Palettes, Mycelium as Medium + the Importance of Trees at
Studio Alchemy Gallery, Indianapolis.
Images from past workshops














