Make a colorful batik image on cotton cloth, to frame or make into a pillow or scarf. Batik is a wax resist technique in which we make a design, draw it on cloth with liquid wax, building a “fence” to contain the fabric dyes we paint on. When it is dry and washed the result is a gorgeous batik. Come explore this interesting and beautiful way to decorate cloth! The batik art form is practiced in most corners of the world, but is believed to have reached its highest expression on the island of Java, Indonesia. Most people have seen gorgeous batiked scarves and sarongs from that part of the world. Come with a sketch of your batik ideas for a piece about 18” square.
Instructions: Please bring 1-3 simple outline idea sketches for your batik image-18" square. A good place to get ideas is from stained glass window patterns, if you aren’t inspired or feel you can’t draw your ideas well. We can adapt your idea images to work for batiks! It is a good idea to wear black or work clothing, as the dyes will stain. Feel free to bring water bottles and snacks to make yourself comfortable.
Date: Saturday, July 27
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Lunch will be provided.
Ages: 12+
Materials Fees: $40
Location: Thoreau College Campus, Viroqua, WI
Sliding Scale Course Fee Guidelines (not including Materials Fees)
Supporter Level Ticket: $120
If you move through the world with financial ease and the means to fulfill many of your wants as well as your needs – you are able to eat out when you want, abundantly meet your needs through employment or can comfortably not work, have access to family wealth, own property, etc. – consider paying at this level, which will help us ensure the long term sustainability of our programs while keeping our offerings accessible to those with access to fewer resources.
Sustainer Level Ticket: $95
If you are able to meet your needs with relative ease while budgeting your educational and entertainment spending – for instance, you are able to take classes and eat out occasionally as long as you are mindful – consider paying at this level, which will help sustain the work of the Folk School at a modest level.
Supported Level Ticket: $70
If you struggle to fund your basic needs and have limited access to resources in your family and community, or if you would not be able to access this offering without a discounted payment option, consider paying at this level. We value your presence and contributions to our community and do not want any economic circumstances to be a barrier to attendance!
Instructor Bio — Martha Buche
Since Martha noticed other kids copying her artwork ideas, ages ago, she has considered herself an artist and teacher! She spends her autumns and winters teaching in classrooms to all ages. In the springs and summers she teaches at Folk Schools around the Midwest. She loves making meaningful and beautiful things, often with natural materials, and sharing those skills. Martha believes that everyone has a measure of creativity and feels called to help others find outlets for their own unique expression. She is lately delighting in helping her family rediscover the traditions and language of her Potawatomi heritage. After galivanting for years on three continents, she is happy to call the Driftless region of Wisconsin home.