Skip to main content
October 11, 2021 6:00–8:00 pm
Duke Arts Annex
Textile Arts

Indigo Dyeing

Partnership with DukeCreate & DuWell

Taught by River Takada

About the Workshop

The focus of this workshop is on learning the fundamentals of how Indigo Dye Vat is made, best practices, materials needed, and demonstrations of creative surface design through the Japanese technique of Itajime Shibori, a shaped-resist technique. Traditionally, in this ancient tie-dye technique, the cloth is sandwiched between two pieces of wood, which are held in place with string or rubber bands.

Participants are encouraged to bring 2-3 items made of natural cellulose fibers (e.g. cotton, linen, or rayon) to dye or upcycle. You will be provided with sample fabrics to experiment with.

The following are supplied by DukeCreate in all Indigo Classes:

  • Clamps, resists, rubber bands, gloves and other studio supplies
  • Resource list for continuing indigo dyeing beyond the workshop!

About the Instructor

River Takada is a Durham based mixed-media artist and art teacher.  River has a small batch production company under the name, RIVTAK, established in 2007, now selling handcrafted products in independently owned shops and online, www.rivtak.com.

Born in Tokyo, Japan and raised in Carrboro, NC, River grew up with an appreciation for the constant change in nature, and the beauty of functional art. River loves to work with kids and adults, empowering folks by sharing the therapeutic and vocational powers of sewing and other creative skills. River is a LGBTQ community advocate who turned her dream of creative and social practice into a passionate career. On most days, you’ll find her in her studio, designing, sewing, screen printing or outside dyeing fabric.

When River is not in the studio, she is teaching fiber arts at community centers around the state. She has taught at The ArtsCenter, The Scrap Exchange, ArtSpace, The NC Museum of Art, Freeman’s Creative, NCSU Craft Center and many small private groups.

About the Location

This workshop will meet in the Duke Arts Annex: get directions.

Address: 404 Gattis St, Durham, NC 27701

About DukeCreate

DukeCreate is a series of free, hands-on arts workshops designed to help Duke students, staff, and faculty develop a variety of creative skills. Workshops are open to all skill levels and backgrounds. Most take place in the Duke Arts Annex or the Rubenstein Arts Center and are typically held weeknights 6-8pm.

Workshops are free to all Duke students and staff, with priority given to students. Class size is limited. Students must sign up in advance. Registration for the following week’s DukeCreate workshops goes live on Friday mornings – sign up in advance to guarantee your spot!  Online enrollment for Duke staff opens on the day of the workshop. Staff can also show up 10 minutes prior to a workshop in case a slot becomes available. Walk-ins will be accommodated on a space-available basis.

DukeCreate is sponsored by the Office of the Vice Provost for the Arts (DukeArts) and University Center Activities and Events (UCAE).