Exploring the Mushroom and Lichen Dye Rainbow of Arizona with Alissa Allen (Friday, June 2 - Saturday, June 3)
WORKSHOP REGISTRATION IS CLOSED
During this two-day workshop, students will explore the intensely beautiful, full spectrum of color that can be obtained from Arizona dye fungi. On day one we will take a leisurely walk through the woodlands adjacent to the festival site, observing fungal specimens. We'll talk about the role fungi play in forest ecology, how to spot ideal mushroom and lichen habitats and how to test for dye potential. After a picnic lunch, we will put our lessons to practice and test a couple of species to determine their dyeability and the best route to color. On day two we will work in-depth with a dozen or so regional species, using developed recipes to achieve brilliant, colorfast results. At the end of this weekend-long workshop, you will have the experience and resources you need to carry on your own experiments at home.
In this class you will learn about mushroom safety, identification basics, and habitats. You will also learn about the importance of ethical harvest, especially pertaining to lichen dyes. At the end of the day you will take home a detailed recipe card, showcasing a rainbow of samples dyed in class; a beautiful hand dyed scarf; a procedural handout to guide your future exploration, and a customized guide to the best local dye fungi.
We will be outdoors for this class, so dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes.
Date & Time
Friday, June 2nd and Saturday, June 3rd from 9 am to 4 pm (with a one-hour lunch break). Please note that you will need to bring a lunch with you on Friday to take on the walk.
Skill Level
Beginner
Material Fee
A $40.00 material fee is included in the workshop registration fee. The fee includes wool samples, fungi collection kit, handouts, and a silk scarf.
About the Instructor
Alissa Allen is the founder of Mycopigments. She specializes in teaching about regional mushroom and lichen dye palettes to fiber artists and mushroom enthusiasts all over the world. Alissa got her start in the Pacific Northwest and has been sharing her passion for mushrooms for over 20 years. She has written articles for Fungi Magazine and Fibershed, is published in Nature's Colorways: Conjuring the Chemistry and Culture of Natural Dyes, Long Thread Media, and her work with mushroom dyes is highlighted in True Colors: World Masters of Natural Dyes and Pigments by Keith Recker, Thrums Publications. In 2015, Alissa created Mushroom and Lichen Dyers United and the Mushroom Dyers Trading Post Facebook groups as a platform to mentor, connect, and facilitate discussion between her students and folks with less access to her classes. These groups along with her prolific workshop offerings and informational dye booths have brought together a vibrant community of over 30,000 members. Though her teachings are centered around regional fungal dye palettes, her overall mission is to inspire people to engage more deeply with nature. It is her hope that with engagement, commitment to care for our planet will grow exponentially.
Workshop Refund & Cancellation Policy
Questions? Email us at flagwool.workshops@gmail.com.