Hilos Tintos | Red Threads: Natural Cochineal Dye Workshop w/Miguel Limon

Celebrate Latin American/Hispanic Heritage Month at the Garfield Park Conservatory with a hands-on workshop led by visual artist and educator Miguel Limon! Explore the art of cochineal natural dyeing, a vibrant practice rooted in Mesoamerican tradition. Learn about the history of cochineal insect cultivation, which has been used for centuries to create vivid red dyes and pigments. Miguel will guide participants through the process of extracting natural pigments and applying them to fabrics; we’ll also take a look at the cacti collection in the Desert House. Join us for this experience that connects cultural heritage with sustainable artistry and leave with your own beautifully dyed textile! *Please note: all materials used for this program will be provided and have been sustainably sourced.

This program will take place on Sunday, September 29th, at Garfield Park Conservatory in the Community Room from 10am-12pm. Reservations to visit the Conservatory following the workshop are included with registration.

$55.00 - General Admission

$44.00 - Community/Members/Volunteers

Registration ends Saturday, September 28th at 10:00am CST.

Scholarships are available! Please fill out this Scholarship Application (link opens in a new tab) or contact Bendi at [email protected] for more information. The due date to apply for a scholarship is Monday, September 23rd at 9:00am CST.

Masking at this event is highly encouraged, and masks will be provided at the program. Please read our updated Covid-19 protocols (link opens in a new tab). We will have an air purifier in the room and a door open (pending weather) for greater air circulation.

Accommodation: When you register for this workshop, you will be asked to provide any accommodations requests. If you have any questions or would like to request an additional accommodation, please contact [email protected] at least 72 hours prior to the event start.

About Miguel

Miguel is an artist native to Chicago's South Side and founder of Artefactos. With perspectives on urban youth, Latindad, and environmental justice, notions of memory, trauma, and decoloniality are of valuable consideration for Miguel. Their work in conceptual photography often includes the depictions of Latinx migrant narratives, Chicanx practices, mental illness, and heritage. To do so, they employ methods of portraiture, documentation, and contemporary archive, using imagery to address the dynamism of the Latinx/Xicanx experience. In producing these images, Miguel wishes to variegate the perception of Latinx communities and use their practice as a means for collective and personal healing.

Refunds: For all fee-based programs and tours, we are able to provide full refunds up to two weeks prior to the program date. Within two weeks, we can offer a credit for a future class, or a refund in the event that we have a waitlist for the program and we can fill your spot.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave., Chicago, United States