Pigments of Place: Intro to Natural Dyes

Have you ever wished to learn about natural dyeing techniques? Join scientist and artist Sierra Weir, one of the exhibiting artists in last year’s Unearthed exhibition, as she explores dye histories and chemistry, responsible harvesting guidelines, and dye methodologies of place-based textiles.

Participants will learn from a short lecture and demonstration before getting hands-on experience dyeing their own cotton bandanas using a variety of botanical materials. Working with local and historical dyes aims to reconnect people with land, fosters essential noticing skills, and breathes life into the ancient craft of textiles. Each participant will take home their own personally designed/dyed cotton bandana. 

Members $35 | Nonmembers $45  (Please sign in to receive member discount)

About the Instructor

Sierra Weir is an artist, scientist, and environmental educator exploring wild pigments found in historically mountainous and polluted Pittsburgh, where she was born and raised. Her art practice is heavily influenced by her studies in pigment genetics, chemistry and systematics.

With native, invasive, and waste-stream pigments, she explores the intersections of biodiversity and industrialization by foraging site-specific color pallets. She views pigments as biological and social informants who are necessary in conversations about ecological regeneration, human-land reconnection, and the buried history specific to place.

Program suitable for adults and/or children age 16 years or older if accompanied by an adult.