Saturday, April 14, 10am-2pm
Presented by Porfirio Gutierrez & iris yirei hu
30 participants maximum
$64 Members / $80 Regular

Natural materials have been used to produce dyes and colorants throughout much of human history. In Oaxaca, the way of learning has been passed down through generations. Join master dyer and weaver Porfirio Gutiérrez to learn about the rich history of the craft in its cultural context, to make a range of richly colored dyes using natural colorants derived from the indigo, cochineal, and pericon and to apply the dyes to yarn. Each student will also have the chance to apply the incredible blue shades from indigo to cotton cloth.

This 4 hour workshop includes 1 hour of lecture on traditional Zapotecan weaving and dyes, followed by a 3 hour hands on natural dyes workshop. Material costs are included with ticket price.

A limited number of one of a kind textiles hand made and dyed in Oaxaca, Mexico will be available for sale at the event. All proceeds are shared by the family and all genuine weavings come with a letter of authenticity that includes a list of the natural dyes used in each piece and care instructions.

Porfirio Gutiérrez is descended from a long line of weavers from Teotitlan del Valle, Oaxaca. In this small village, known for its hand-woven rugs, he and his family are the last few textile artisans working to preserve the use of plant and insect dyes, techniques that stretch back more than 1,000 years in the indigenous Zapotec tradition. In an effort to find appreciation for their art and enough financial validation to sustain it, Porfirio has emigrated to the United States where he exhibits, gives educational lectures, weaving & natural dye demonstrations, and hands-on workshops. More information on www.porfiriogutierrez.com. Or follow @porfirio_gutierrez_y_famila

Porfirio Gutiérrez is a guest of artist-in-residence iris yirei hu.