Come to Berkshire Botanical Garden on May 7 at 3 pm and explore the most popular of natural dyes, INDIGO. From India to Japan to Greece, indigo has been the foundation of century-old textile traditions. Maggie Pate will begin this class with a brief introduction to indigo and then give a demonstration of how the magic of indigo works. Bring your own fiber and dye with our indigo vats. The purpose of this class is for students to repurpose old items, cover up stained pieces or create something original with new purchases. Each student will be asked to bring their own natural fiber items from home – up to 4 pieces. No large items like towels or bedding as it will use up all the indigo. 

Maggie Pate is the designer and purveyor of Nåde. She began her career in fashion modeling internationally then retired to work for a label in New York City. Her work in textiles is a cross-section that explores the synthesis of textures, repetition and geometry. It forms a poetic visual language that ignites the potential of figurative rhythm – a visual synesthesia; where shapes, colors and mood transform into a kaleidoscopic canvas. The last few years, her focus has shifted to cultivating a 100% sustainable and eco-friendly studio by capturing color with predominantly food waste collected from local restaurants and farms.

BBG members $25, nonmembers $30. Register at https://www.berkshirebotanical.org/events/bring-your-own-indigo