Creative Classes 2023

Students will learn bundle dyeing techniques with fun and unique natural materials from the kitchen and from other sources. Bundle dyeing is perfect for somebody who enjoys creating spontaneous, abstract artworks.

The class begins by teaching the basic process of natural dyeing first. We will prepare silk scarves and cotton tote bags with alum and dye the fabrics. An iron bath will be available to darken colors as well. Students are encouraged to bring some colorful food waste (such as onion skins and pomegranate skins) and/or flower petals from the garden in sealed containers to experiment with natural dyeing.

Please note the price for this class includes a $30 Studio Fee for all materials provided.

Registration opens at 10 am MST on the following dates:

Please be aware space is limited and advance registration is required.

For 6-week and 4-week classes, students will purchase their own materials. No Studio Fee.

For 1-day workshops, all materials provided with an additional Studio Fee of $30–$90.

Creative Classes are held in the DAM’s state-of-the-art classrooms, located inside the Bartlit Learning and Engagement Center on level 1 of the Martin Building.

If a class or workshop needs to be cancelled due to inclement weather or teacher illness, a “make-up” day will be scheduled on a Friday or Saturday as the educator’s schedule allows.

This is a 1-day class. No previous experience of natural dyeing necessary. This class is like an experiment for students to learn which kind of colors would stick on to fabrics from natural materials. The teacher, Maki Teshima, will use natural materials from Japan and from all over the world.

All materials will be provided by the teacher and are included in the price for this workshop.*

* Price includes a $30 Studio Fee for all materials provided.

Maki Teshima is a natural dye fiber artist and owner of Tomorrow Is Always New studio. She creates one of a kind, eco-conscious hand dyed products and artworks. Born and raised in Japan, she learned natural dyeing techniques at the Fashion Institute of Technology, the Textile Art Center in New York, and private studios in Kyoto, Japan. She actively organizes natural dyeing workshops and teaches as a mentor at Textiles MFA, Parsons School of Design. In 2021, she relocated to Denver, Colorado, after living in New York City for 15 years where she worked as a textile surface designer for various fashion companies.

Creative Classes offer an opportunity to learn from local professional creatives in a studio art environment. Each class is uniquely designed by a creative educator for an adult audience, with specific connections to Denver Art Museum exhibitions and collections. Connect with professional creatives, learn a new skill, and expand your own creative practice.

Choose a 1-day workshop to try out a new technique or a 4-week or 6-week class for greater in-depth exploration. No prior is experience necessary. Explore the full class catalog today.