Exploring Dye Techniques with Astrid Hilger Bennett Spring 2026

Exploring Dye Techniques is an informal master class for novices or those with experience. Astrid will share her decades-long experience of printing and painting, encouraging creation, asking questions and learning together. This workshop focuses on Procion MX fiber reactive dyes, the easiest, most versatile and safest chemical dyes for natural fibers and home studio use, with beautiful color range, good light fastness and cold water processing. Those who specialize in natural dyes can use them in the class and benefit from studio and printing tips; no instructions on using natural dyes will be given.

Participants will paint, print and process 2 yards of cotton fabrics in their home or improvised workspace. Other topics covered include monoprinting/playing with surface design techniques, making a simple steamer, setting up portable studio tables, washing out fabrics, how to effectively wash out tools/brushes, and more. Working simply with wet processes out of her basement studio, Astrid will share useful studio tips for maintaining a simple, user-friendly space in which to work.

Workshop Session 1: Saturday, April 4, 12-2PM EDT (convert timezone)

Moderated Meetup: Thursday, April 9, 7-8PM EDT (convert timezone)

Workshop Session 2: Saturday, April 11, 12-2PM EDT (convert timezone)

Moderated Meetup: Thursday, April 16, 7-8PM EDT (convert timezone)

All sessions will be held via Zoom Meetings and Saturday sessions will recorded. Video recordings will be available within 24 hours of each session and are accessible to participants for one year.