OLLI Presents: Dye and Print Textiles with Native Plants with Nadene Mairesse

Friday, April 10, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Lunch Break at Noon) | Sunny Slope Annex
Fee: $35 (OLLI membership required)

Students will be introduced to the history of plant-based dyes and guided through historical dyeing processes, including mordanting (preparation of the cloth), creation of dye baths using foraged native plants such as Osage Orange, Staghorn Sumac, Black Walnut, and garden-grown Yarrow, and responsible foraging practices.

As their textiles absorb plant dyes, participants will mix mineral-based paints to apply pattern to dyed cotton cloth. Nadene will also explain how to properly finish dyed textiles to ensure colorfastness and durability.

Participants will dye and paint two to three 12-inch square cotton muslin pieces, which may later be used as quilt blocks, cushion covers, or framed wall hangings.

No prior experience is required.

All equipment, supplies, and dye materials are provided by the instructor and included in the program fee.

This program is made possible with support from the Alabama State Council on the Arts, the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for Arts & Humanities in the College of Liberal Arts, and the Alice M. Leahy Memorial Endowment Fund for Excellence.