The Use of Natural Dyes in the Colonial Frontier: A Presentation by Catherine Ellis
Thursday, November 12 | 12pm – 1pm
Members FREE | Non-Members $5
Pre-Order Lunch | $15
Throughout the earliest years of Cleveland County history European Settlers and Native populations alike looked to the world around them to provide for their needs. Clay for pottery was dug from local rivers, lumber for houses and furniture was harvested from the dense woodlands, flax was grown, and sheep were sheared for clothing. As these early Cleveland County residents sought to add a bit of color to their fabric they yet again looked to nature hunting down plants unique to the region that could be used to create brilliant dyes.
The practice of using natural dyes has been developing for thousands of years, and today artists such as Catharine Ellis combine the knowledge gained from the past with new developments to create stunning works that demonstrate the true potential of natural dyes. On November 12, 2026, the Ellis will give a unique presentation on the process of natural dyeing and the plants in the region that early textile creators would have used to give their fabric a pop of color.