Classes & Workshops

Botanical Bundle Dyeing Workshop
September 15th
10 AM to 1 PM

Bundle dyeing is the process of adding dye plants directly onto the pre-treated fabric, then folding, twisting, and binding the fabric to create intricate and deeply colorful organic patterns- the color is extracted, then set in the fabric by steam. This is an explorative and playful process, all levels of natural dye experience are welcome! All materials provided. Instructor: Megan Mesloh

*Member: $115; Non-Member: $130

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Introduction to Botanical Dyes
October 5
10 AM to 1:30 PM

This course teaches students how to mordant or “pre-treat” fibers to accept dye derived from locally foraged plants. We'll take a walk through the garden to identify common dye plants and discuss harvesting practices and plant processing. All participants will create a card with the day’s colors and a dyed silk scarf. All materials provided. Instructor: Megan Mesloh

*Member: $115; Non-Member: $130

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Designing Woodland Centerpieces with Françoise Weeks
October 26th
10 AM to 12:30 PM

Join instructor for a one of a kind workshop. Participants will learn how to see, source, scale and shape natural works of art as well as a plethora of techniques. Françoise will impart the detail that goes into utilizing bark, branches, moss, lichen, ferns, tillandsias, succulents, mushrooms, seed pods, and berries in rich and textural compositions.  

Each participant will take home a completed centerpiece approximately 12-18” long and 12” tall.

This class is appropriate for ages 14+

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*Reduced-cost scholarship spots may be available. If you would like to be added to the waitlist for these, please email jlebaron@leachgarden.org.

About the Instructors

Melissa Gannon enjoys painting nature. Her inspiration comes from travel, hiking, and exploring her local area. Her home in the Pacific Northwest provides ready access to the coast, rivers, mountains and desert. She loves painting outdoors—portraying a perfect peaceful place in the woods, a bird surveying the world, or the vibrancy of a bunch of daisies. She finds that observations made in plein air painting enhance her studio work.
Megan Mesloh is a textile artist working primarily with weaving, natural dyes and surface pattern design. She received her BFA in textiles from the Oregon College of Art and Craft. With a focus on cloth making and manipulation, Mesloh explores the many potentials for fibers to transform in color, shape and form.