Description

Alcohol Dye Technique with Seagrass Rim

In this class, students will learn the basics of weaving seagrass around a gourd rim and working with TransTint alcohol dyes. When mixed, blended, or layered, these dyes create a wide range of vibrant colors and beautiful effects. Techniques may include dabbing, dripping, sponging, painting, and blending with alcohol dyes to achieve unique surface designs. Be bold—go with the color!

All materials will be supplied by the instructor. If you have favorite beads or small embellishments, feel free to bring them along to personalize your bowl.

About the Instructor:

Shape, color, and texture lie at the heart of Janice’s artistic exploration. She invites you to discover the gourd as a vessel of fine art—an organic form brimming with creative possibilities. Much like wood, a gourd can be carved or wood-burned, yet it also offers a canvas for painting, dyeing, and embellishment. By incorporating precious stones, beads, feathers, leather, found objects, clay, fiber, and seagrass, Janice transforms each piece into a fusion of natural beauty and artistic expression. Through cutting and sculpting, she reimagines the gourd’s form, intertwining it with diverse materials to create one-of-a-kind works.

Janice’s journey into gourd art began in 2002, inspired by remarkable pieces she encountered in Northern California. Driven by this newfound passion, she explores a broad spectrum of interpretations—from indigenous influences to contemporary motifs. Initially self-taught through books and videos, Janice has since expanded her expertise by learning from master artists in gourd art and beyond. This ongoing evolution of skills and techniques is evident in her distinctive vision and meticulous craftsmanship. Proud to work with such a naturally rich medium, Janice creates from her studio in Mancos, Colorado, where each gourd becomes a testament to nature’s artistry and human creativity.

If you're having issues with registration, please email lexi@weehawkenarts.org.

Location

Cora St Classroom at Weehawken Ridgway- Cora Annex