Event Info
This one-day, in-person workshop takes place at CBA on Saturday, March 4, from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm.
- Saturday, March 4, 1:00pm–4:00pm
Please Note: Registration for this workshop closes on February 27, at 11:59 pm.
About the Workshop:
This in-person class at Center for Book Arts is taught by instructor Rhonda Khalifeh.
Indigotin, or indigo, is a natural pigment sourced from indigofera plants to create a range of blue dyes. Indigofera plants have a history of cultivation on nearly every continent dating back thousands of years. Prior to the discovery of synthetic blue and chemical dyes in the 19th century, indigo was the only viable source available for creating a lasting blue color.
In this afternoon workshop students will be introduced to all things indigo—the pigment, its history, and contemporary dye vat preparation. Together, we’ll create a fruit sugar indigo vat, covering the process step-by-step. Using the vat, students will hand-dye their own 22” square cotton scarf. Material safety, fiber preparation, and vat maintenance will also be covered. Students are welcome to bring small handmade papers or light colored fabric for further experimentation.
Required Materials:
All staff, artists, students, and guests are required to show proof of vaccination upon entering CBA and must wear a mask covering the nose and mouth at all times. If you have a medical or religious exemption, please email corina@centerforbookarts.org. Required Materials:
- Notebook, pen/pencil
- Optional: Students are welcome to additional (small) pieces of fabric and paper for further experimentation. Anything other than polyester will dye with indigo. Rag, watercolor, and hand made papers work best.
All other materials will be provided by Center for Book Arts at no additional cost.
About Rhonda Khalifeh
Rhonda Khalifeh is a Syrian-American textile artist, dyer, and print designer based in New York.
She received her MFA from the fiber department at Cranbrook Academy of Art in 2017 and has been an artist in residence at the SVA Bio Art Lab, Textile Arts Center, and Center for Book Arts. Rhonda has exhibited her work across the country and is included in the collections of the Met Museum, Center for Book Arts, and New York Public Library.
She published Project Z (2018) and Project Z Book 2 (2022) with Open Projects Press. Today, Rhonda maintains an independent studio practice and is an art director at Everybody Press.
All images courtesy of the instructor.
Class size is limited to ensure an optimal participant to Instructor ratio. Register now before spots fill up! Registration for this workshop closes on February 27 at 11:59pm. Participants are required to comply with CBA’s Covid-19 health and safety measures.
