WORKSHOP: Indigo Dyeing at Volcano Art Center

Learn the process of creating with nature’s oldest natural dye, indigo. In this workshop, you’ll use traditional methods of banding and folding in traditional and modern shibori styles to create patterns as you explore the alchemy of the beautiful plant pigment, indigo. The Waiho‘olu‘u Ola Indigo Dyeing workshop happens on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018, from 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village.

Indigo Dyeing workshop at Volcano Art Center. Courtesy photo.

Learn to dye natural fiber goods in a plant derived indigo vat. Create Shibori resist patterns using folding, wrapping, and clamping techniques, as well as how to control hue density with multiple dyeing submersions. You’ll also learn the basic fundamentals of this historic dyeing process. All dyestuff will be provided and the fabric is natural fiber and sustainable. Each participant will leave with a new skill and understanding of Indigo Dye as well as their own finished sample pieces.

Participants may bring one to five small items of your own to dye, avoiding bulky or heavy pieces (towels, linens, yards of fabric, bedding etc.), as vat space and time are limited. Items must be cotton, linen, hemp, silk, or anything natural—no synthetics, as they accept the color the best. Pre-wash items for best result.

Indigo Dyeing workshop at Volcano Art Center. Courtesy Photo

Class fee is $55/$50 for VAC members plus a $25 supply fee. No experience is necessary. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. To register, call Volcano Art Center at (808) 967-8222 or visit online.

Waiho‘olu‘u ola Living Color Dyery is a creative natural collective started by a husband, Justin (the alchemist) and a wife, Wai‘ala (the artist) duo who work together to share the magic and alchemy of natural living color dyes; including indigo, olena, avocado, hibiscus, etc. Outside the joy of sharing the alchemy of natural dye in workshops with others, the two love sharing their love for the natural plant world and the process of co-creating consciously with nature.

Volcano Art Center Ni‘aulani Campus is located at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road in Volcano Village. The Volcano Art Center is a nonprofit educational organization created in 1974 to promote, develop, and perpetuate the artistic and cultural heritage of Hawai‘i’s people and environment through activities in the visual, literary and performing arts.