Introduction to Natural Dyeing (6-part series) with Amy Garbark

6-Part Series Workshop!

Date: Tuesdays, January 13 - February 17, 2025

Time: 6pm-9pm

Description:Explore the art and science of natural dyeing in this hands-on, 6-week introductory workshop. Learn how to process natural fibers using plant-based dyes. Each week, we’ll build foundational skills—starting with fabric preparation, including scouring and mordanting for optimal color uptake and light and wash fastness. We’ll explore immersion dyeing techniques and experiment with layering color + pH shifts to achieve a range of hues from a single dye source. Throughout the course, you'll compile a swatch notebook to document your process, recipes, and color results + you’ll create a hand sewn natural color keepsake to commemorate your natural dye exploration and experimentation.

Tuition: $270 + $60 materials fee

Note: We really want you to join us in the studio! Full and partial tuition scholarships are available to offset some of the financial burden of attending a class.

Please fill out the application here! You can expect to hear from someone on the CC staff within 2 weeks.

If you have any questions, email Jamie Boyle, Fibers Program Manager, at jboyle@contemporarycraft.org, or leave a voice message for them at 412-465-1639.

Materials: All materials provided.

Location: Contemporary Craft, Timmons Studios (5688 Butler St., Pittsburgh, PA 15201). Note, this workshop will take place in the Beth Wainwright Dye Lab, which is located on the second floor of the Timmons Studio building.

There are 2 entrances to the Timmons Studios.

• One entrance is facing Butler Street. To access the second floor from the Butler Street facing entrance, there are a total of 32 stairs to ascend.

• One entrance is facing 57th Street. This entrance is accessible by ramp, with no stairs to ascend. There is a lift inside the building to access the second floor.

If there are accessibility accommodations we can provide, or if there is anything you would like us to know before you arrive, please feel free to call Jamie Boyle at 412-465-1639 or email jboyle@contemporarycraft.org.

Cancellations and Refunds: Workshop cancellations are decided three business days before the start date. If workshops must be cancelled due to insufficient enrollment, the entire class fee will be refunded through Eventbrite, or you may leave your workshop fee in your Contemporary Craft account for future workshops.

Refund Policy: Student refund requests must be made at least three business days before a class begins. There will be a $25 cancellation fee. No refunds will be given without three-business days notice. Processing of refunds takes approximately three weeks.

About the artist: Amy Garbark is an artist and maker who operates garbella, a studio and business in Pittsburgh, PA.  She is a printmaker, textile artist, natural dyer and general fiber arts and surface design enthusiast who loves learning new things.