NATURAL PIGMENT
EXPLORATION

Indulge in the realm of possibility and pigment from the diverse floral landscape of the Gorge. We will be harvesting, a diverse array of fragrant flowers, fruit and plants and experimenting with dying them on fabrics and paper!

    • Flower, fruit and plant pigments and their effects on fabric and paper

    • Natural Dying Basics

    • Altering colors with PH

    • Hammering flowers onto tote bags

    • Rubbing petals onto bandanas as if they’re saturated oil pastels

  • This workshop is not only for artists, it’s for everyone and anyone who loves to be outside, is curious, and loves color… we’re going to be exploring natural dyes on fabric and paper. We’ll learn about treating textiles, altering colors with PH, hammering flowering onto tote bags and rubbing petals onto bandanas as if they’re saturated oil pastels. Come with no expectation other than that your mind will probably be blown in a very serene and meditative way. We’ll eat pears and mulberries, harvest flowers on site, l cool off with popsicles and slip n slide under plum trees with a view of the washougal river, and hand pressed organic blue corn tacos, plus you have the option to sauna and soak as the sun sets. There’s an option to camp on site or book a room as well (subject to availability:)


    • 2 pm - arrival, welcome, partial property tour

    • 2:30/3 pm - natural pigment demonstration, book sharing, palette + paper exploration.

    • 3:45 Start a dye pot + mordant pot for those who decide to bring their own materials to dye / paint on as well.

    • 4/4:30 popsicle break!

    • 4:30 Exploration time… Tour & harvest from the flower garden of horticulturalist and retired Portland Rose Garden Manager, Robin Akers. Bring baskets, clippers and a hat and take some time to gather florals. We’ll reconvene for a flower hammering demo and learn about translating pigment onto fabric.

      6:30 - 7 – working on projects / fade into slip n slide and cool down period. Maybe boozy lemonade and changing

      7ish - hand pressed organic blue corn tortilla taco dinner + option to sauna + soak and camp after !


  • Sunday, August 2nd 2pm- late

    $70 Workshop + Dinner + Sauna

    $105 Workshop + Dinner + Camp Out

    $145 Workshop + Dinner + Private Room

meet your instructor

Zab Shavrick is a Portland-based multi-media artist and graphic designer specializing in illustration, risograph, watercolor, gouache, natural pigment, tile, and tattoo.

Zab’s work plays with the motif of a slightly skewed reality; taking everyday objects, moments, and people and stretching their corners ever so slightly. They focus on the colors, textures and senses of a space or memory. Impressions translate into concept and blend with materiality, ultimately classifying them a visually unreliable narrator. 

FAQ

  • We’re a collection of homesteads 30 mins East of Portland International Airport stewarding a total of 20 acres in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge.

  • We are located off the 14 freeway in E Washougal, WA.

    If you’re flying in it’s an easy Lyft or taxi from the Airport.

    • water bottle

    • sun hat

    • basket or bag for gathering flowers (very important!)

    • scissors or clippers

    • hammer (we will provide hammers, but bring one if you can!)

    • swimsuit + towel (for slip n slide + sauna-ing + hot tub later on in the night) and optional change of clothes for dinner

    • and any light colored clothes or fabrics you’re interested in working with ! 

  • All profits are distributed to the workshop hosts in an effort to support the craftspeople who generously share these skills with our community.

    We often offer flexible pricing based on the level of accommodation desired: from local commuters, to folks who want a private room.

    Private room(s) and tent sites are limited and not an option at all events.

  • This is a drug and alcohol free space supporting personal responsibility, and earth care. All attendees are expected to treat themselves, each other and the land with respect and care.

    Please pay attention to what you are doing, as well as be aware of what others are doing. 

    We reserve the right to ask anyone to leave the land at any time due to inappropriate or disrespectful behavior. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

  • Meals differ from workshop to workshop- from full catering to provide for yourself.

    This workshop will feature organic fresh-pressed blue corn tacos.

    Guests are encourage to bring their own beverages. For those planning on spending the night and who want to stay for breakfast feel free to bring breakfast items to share that can be cooked over the open fire. We have cast iron cookware.

    We strive to serve organic, wholesome food to keep everyone feeling good!

    We will have hot water on hand during the day for tea, etc. We have coffee in the morning for overnight guests.

    The property is on spring water so please bring containers to fill up.

  • There is space for tent camping and vehicle camping, although we do not have hookups. Fresh spring water is available at spigots on the land. We have a portapoddy and an outdoor shower.  Please come with everything you need to take care of your sleeping accommodations for yourself and your family. Propane stoves and heaters are okay. This is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out event! We do not provide garbage services for participants. Please take your trash with you and practice "Leave No Trace" at your campsite as well.


  • Due to the farm animals on the properties, please leave your dogs at home

  • The minimum age for this event is 21 years old

  • Due to administrative back and forth capactiy that we don’t have we have a strict cancellation policy. All classes and accommodation payments are due in full upon signing up and no refunds. So make sure you can make it! :)