Creating Medicine and Color with Plants

This Full Summer Session program teaches students various methods for creating both medicine and color from plants. In the first summer session (Weeks 1-5), we begin by exploring the plants we will be using from a botanical perspective. Then we practice both medicine-making and natural dyeing. In the second summer session (Week 6-10), we repeat the sequence using different plants and different methods for creating both medicine and dye.

Alternatively, students may enroll for the first session course (4-credits), second session (4-credits), however, the full session program provides the most complete preparation for transferring skills to daily life. This program is appropriate for both beginning and experienced students who, with faculty approval, may modify the program to deepen existing skills.

Special note: Indigenous Sámi plant, dye, and textile artists (from the European Arctic) may visit during the first session, which will give us all an exceptional experience.

This is a hybrid program, with Wednesday evening online classes and four Saturday in-person classes. Students may also enhance their study with additional credits for independent learning; contact faculty to discuss your ideas.