Screenprinting and Indigo Dyeing (3 session)
Adult Class | Registration opens Monday, February 9, 2026 8:00 AM EST
In this 3 session workshop, students will gain an introduction to the fundamentals of indigo dyeing and screenprinting using clay resist techniques. Participants will explore how imagery, pattern, and process come together to create striking textile designs. Working step by step through the creative process. from preparing and screenprinting your design to dyeing with natural indigo and setting the final color, each participant will create and take home a finished print. No prior experience is necessary; this workshop is designed to be welcoming, engaging, and accessible for all skill levels.
What You Will Learn:
- The basics of natural indigo dyeing and how the dye vat works
- How to use clay resist techniques to create bold graphic patterns
- An introduction to screenprinting on fabric
- How to layer imagery and resist to achieve dynamic visual effects
- Proper techniques for dyeing, rinsing, and setting color on textiles
Start the term with these supplies:
• Sketchbook/notebook, and something to write with.
• Also, if possible, please bring any sketches or examples of previous artwork that you think could become ideas for silkscreen.
Other supplies to be discussed:
• Protective gloves, such as dishwashing type
• Water-based Textile or Permanent Acrylic Screenprinting Inks, in 8-oz. containers [note: do not bring water-soluble inks — read labels carefully.] Definitely buy black, white, and the primary colors: red, yellow, and blue. You may, of course, buy any other colors you like.
• Plastic pint- or quart-size containers with lids for storing mixed ink
• Printmaking paper (archival rag paper) — at least 4 sheets, 22 X 30 inches Recommended: Lennox and Arches 88 Silkscreen, or any smooth printmaking paper — such as Rives BFK, Arches Cover, Stonehenge, etc.
• 18 X 24-inch newsprint paper pad
• Roll of masking tape, 3/4- inch to 1-inch wide
• Portfolio — may be low-priced cardboard variety
• Storage for inks and class supplies: cardboard box, plastic box, or a sturdy bag
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Madeleine Conover
Madeleine Conover is a Chinese American adoptee and artist. Her images and sculptures explore her ideas of Asian American diaspora and her adoption due to China’s former one-child policy. Her recent work focuses on the subsequent discovery of her biological family and community building with adoptees. Conover was raised in Washington, DC by a single mother. She received an MFA in Printmaking from the Tyler School of Art & Architecture and a BA in Studio Art and Sustainable Food & Farming from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her work has been included in solo and group exhibitions in Philadelphia, Western Massachusetts, New York City, and the Bay Area. She has participated in artist residency programs at Ceramics School, Directangle Press, Pyramid Atlantic Art Institute, Second State Press, Kala Art Institute, and Wassaic Project. Based in Philadelphia, she teaches printmaking and ceramics classes. She also recently started her own small risograph publishing press, Mad Dog Studio.