Project Description
In this fun and exploratory residency, students will create original artwork while learning some of the math and science behind the art of tie dye. Students will apply what they learn about the gravity of pigments, water surface tension, tying techniques and their results, mathematics of folding, shaping and wrapping techniques, color theory, and dye application techniques to create their own usable, wearable art. Tie dye includes life lessons of planning, patience, hopefulness, surprise, and that we can only control so much of any situation, as creativity, science, and chaos collide to make tie dye art that students will love for years to come.
Final Product
Students will take home their own tie dyed artwork. Schools have a variety of choices for what the final product will be: t-shirts, canvas drawstring backpacks, tie dyed aprons, socks, or bandanas. Tiana will visit with each class for 30 minutes the week following their fourth session, to give students their completed work and to celebrate the creative journey they shared. While learning about different folding and color mixing techniques, students will also create paper art and “dyed” coffee filter flowers.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will explore solutions, when powders are dissolved into fluids. They will learn that the heavier molecules create thicker solutions and learn how that applies to wet dye applications on fabric.
- Students will learn artistic geometry through exploring different folding techniques on paper and on fabric, and their resulting shapes and angles.
- Students will learn planning and patience skills through the process of planning their work and waiting for it to cure.
- Students will be able to create their own wearable works of art, and share their finished products with the class.
- Students will be able to understand a new form of art, and learn that everyone can make art.
Suggested Grades
- Appropriate for all grade levels.
Pricing Breakdown
- 4 visits at 45 minutes each
- Prep hours: 4 hours per classroom (including the 5th visit to hand out finished work)
- Materials: $5 per student (price varies depending on the final product chosen by the school)
- Travel from Veneta
This residency works best in rooms with a sink, washable tables, and no carpeting.
**4j schools choosing this residency through the ArtSpark program will be required to pay a portion of the material and prep fees**
Meet the Artist
Why I teach art:
“I have been working with learners of all ages for over three decades. Teaching students to love and explore art is near to my heart because I was born an artist and a creative. I love teaching tie dye art because it exists in the intersection between creativity, science, and chaos and it includes life lessons about planning, patience, hopefulness, surprise, and the illusion of control. There are no mistakes in tie dye art, just lovely surprises, as is often the case in life.”
—Tiana Povenmire-Kirk
