forest to color:mushroom dyes & spore prints
Join us for a two-day exploration of the fascinating world of fungi, where science, art, and natural color come together. On the first day, we'll venture onto Yakona's trails in search of dye mushrooms, including Phaeolus hispidoides, Hypomyces lactifluorum, and other colorful fungi that may be fruiting in the forest. After the hike, we'll gather at the Bartow Art Studio to rest and refuel before creating spore prints and preparing mushroom dye baths. Participants will learn how to extract color from fungi and begin the dye-making process, allowing both the spore prints and dye baths to develop overnight.
On the second day, we'll reveal our spore prints and return to the dye baths to discover the colors that have emerged. Participants will dye silk bandanas using the mushroom dyes they helped create and experiment with adjusting the pH of the dye baths to unlock an even wider range of colors. This hands-on process offers a fascinating glimpse into the chemistry of natural dyes and the surprising palette hidden within fungi.
Participants will leave with two hand-dyed silk bandanas, their completed spore prints, and a deeper appreciation for the artistry, ecology, and wonder of the fungal world.
Note: This is a two-day workshop from 10AM to 4PM on October 23 & 24. Please only register if you are able to attend both days. This program includes a moderate hike on uneven, hilly terrain. No prior experience with mushrooms or natural dyeing is necessary.
details:
Instructor: Rena Olson
Location: Outdoors at Yakona Nature Preserve
Ages: Adults 18+
Yakona provides: All class materials are provided. Bring a collecting basket or bag (no plastic) and gloves, if desired.
Please bring: Drinking water, snacks/lunch, any necessary medications (including EpiPens), and weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear.
Insects: Mosquitoes are part of the Yakona ecosystem. Insect repellent is recommended if you are sensitive to bites.
Arrival & Departure: Please plan to stay for the full duration of the class. Because Yakona is accessed by guided escort only, participants are unable to enter or leave independently once the program begins.
Parking & Carpooling: Participants will meet at the parking area and carpool the three miles into Yakona to minimize vehicle traffic on the preserve.
Restrooms: Restroom facilities are rustic outhouses and porta potties.
Pets: For the safety of Yakona's wildlife, pets are not permitted on the preserve, nor are pets allowed in parked vehicles, as there are no shaded parking areas.
Caring for Yakona: Please help us protect this special place by staying on designated trails, respecting wildlife, and leaving plants, fungi, and other natural features undisturbed unless collecting is part of the class. Pack out any personal belongings and trash and leave Yakona as beautiful as you found it.
Weather: Programs may be held rain or shine unless hazardous weather or other unsafe conditions require cancellation.
Attendance Commitment: Because space is limited and these resources are generously provided, we ask that you register only if you plan to attend. If your plans change, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your space to someone on the waitlist.
Class Enrollment: A minimum number of participants is required for this workshop. Yakona reserves the right to cancel a class due to low enrollment. Registered participants will be notified as soon as possible if a class is canceled.
Cost: This event is offered at no cost through grant funding and community support. Donations are always appreciated.
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Artist Bio
Whether I am gathering leaves for an eco-print, extracting color from plants and fungi, photographing a landscape, or walking quietly through a forest, my creative practice starts with observation. Nature is not simply my subject; it is my collaborator. Every leaf, every season, every shift in weather leaves its own mark, reminding me that beauty emerges through relationship rather than control.
Through my work and my teaching, I invite others to slow down, cultivate curiosity, and discover the joy of co-creating with nature. My hope is that each creative experience becomes more than an art project; that it becomes a conversation with the living world, fostering wonder, stewardship, and a deeper sense of belonging.