In conjunction with the exhibition, the Museum is offering a special workshop led by professor Whitney Crutchfield in Fashion Institute of Technology\u2019s rooftop Natural Dye Garden, a student-focused research space that supports more than 20 species of natural color-yielding plants. This exceptional Dialogue + Studio Workshop begins with a behind-the-scenes tour where participants will learn about FIT\u2019s collection of dyestuffs and the institution\u2019s sustainable processes in this unique urban greenspace. The tour will be followed by a hands-on session in which participants transform freshly harvested indigo leaves into vibrant color on silk, creating your own naturally dyed scarf.<\/p>\n
AFAM\u2019s The Dialogue + Studio Workshop series offers participants opportunities to gain insight into and engage with self-taught art, past and present, at a deep level. Focused discussions about select themes, techniques, and materials featured in current exhibitions are paired with related expert-led hands-on workshops.<\/p>\n
About the speaker<\/strong><\/p>\n Whitney Crutchfield<\/strong> is an Assistant Professor in the Textile Development and Marketing department at Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) with a focus on weaving, dyeing, sustainable and low-impact production, and entrepreneurial and marketing strategies. She is also the faculty steward for FIT\u2019s Natural Dye Garden. Professor Crutchfield is a member of FIT\u2019s Sustainability Council as well as several professional societies, including AATCC, ITAA, Complex Weavers, and the Handweavers Guild of America. She is the founder of the Brooklyn-based educational textile studio, WE GATHER, which offers commission and site-specific interior textile works, hands-on workshops for private and corporate clients, and DIY weaving and dyeing kits for retail customers around the world. Professor Crutchfield\u2019s special research interests lie in circularity and waste mitigation in the textile industry, advanced woven structures, and bio-fabricated and electronic materials for weaving.<\/p>\n Images\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n FIT\u2019s Natural Dye Garden. Courtesy of FIT.<\/p>\n Registration<\/strong><\/p>\n This program will take place at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), located at 227 W 27th St<\/a>, New York City.<\/p>\n This program is limited to 25 individuals; advance registration is required. Everyone is welcome \u2013 No prior experience required.<\/p>\n \u00a0Tickets are $15 \/ $12 members, students, artists, seniors; For questions or to request accessibility accommodations, please email publicprograms@folkartmuseum.org.<\/p>\n Credits<\/strong><\/p>\n This program is organized in partnership with Fashion Institute of Technology<\/a> (FIT).<\/p>\n A part of the State University of New York (SUNY), FIT has been a leader in career education in art, design, business, and technology throughout its history. Providing more than 8,000 students with an uncommon blend of hands-on, practical experience, theory, and a firm grounding in the liberal arts, the college offers a wide range of affordable programs that foster innovation and collaboration. Its distinctive curriculum is geared to today\u2019s rapidly growing creative economy, including fields such as computer animation, toy design, production management, film and media, and cosmetics and fragrance marketing. Internationally renowned, FIT draws on its New York City location to provide a vibrant, creative community in which to learn. The college offers nearly 50 majors and grants AAS, BFA, BS, MA, MFA, and MPS degrees, preparing students for professional success and leadership in the new creative economy. Among notable alumni in fashion are Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Norma Kamali, Reem Acra, Brian Atwood, Stephen Burrows, Dennis Basso, Francisco Costa, Nanette Lepore, Bibhu Mohapatra, Ralph Rucci, John Bartlett, Peter Do, Daniel Roseberry, and Michelle Smith. Other prominent graduates include Leslie Blodgett, creator of bareMinerals; international restaurant designer Tony Chi; and Nina Garcia, editor-in-chief of Elle. fitnyc.edu<\/a><\/p>\n
\nMaterials will be provided.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/folkartmuseum.org\/content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/fit-button-black-white-lettering-cmyk-297x300.png\")
<\/p>\n","reserve_text":"Get tickets","reserve_link":"https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/dialogue-studio-workshop-growing-the-rainbow-at-fits-natural-dye-garden-tickets-1557062839869?aff=oddtdtcreator","day":"07","month":"Oct","year":"2025","link":"https:\/\/folkartmuseum.org\/programs\/dialogue-studio-workshop-growing-the-rainbow-at-fits-natural-dye-garden\/"}]