Textile artists host sale and Indigo Dye Day

It’s time to get the blues – and “art elephants,” too.

Saturday, June 24, the Sacramento Center for Textile Arts presents two simultaneous events in one place: Its annual “Art Elephant Sale” and its first Community Indigo Dip Dye Day.

Both events will take place at Shepard Garden and Arts Center in McKinley Park. Admission to the sale is free; advance registration ($15) is required for the Indigo Dip and you’d better hurry. Only a few slots are still available.

What is an “art elephant”? It’s an inspirational treasure that, like a white elephant, just needs someone who knows what to do with it. It’s also a chance for members to clean out their studios and closets of excess supplies.

Find great deals on all sorts of materials including fabrics, textiles, fibers, beads and art supplies. (Expect lots of miscellaneous crafts supplies, too.) Sale hours are 10 a.m to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Meanwhile on the patio, watch how to dye fabric with natural indigo dyes. Indigo Shibori dye experts LuAnne Hansen, Tanya Lieberman, and Joan McMurray will lead one-hour hands-on workshops on indigo – blue jean blue, the color that unites the world. This is the center’s inaugural indigo dye day and serves as an introduction to both natural dyeing and the group.

The workshop includes all materials; participants can choose from a cotton bandana or a “fat quarter” of cotton fabric that can be sewn into another item. During the workshop, participants also will learn how to tie-dye to produce unique patterns. Remember: Indigo is a permanent dye. Participants should wear old clothes and shoes or bring protective covering such as an apron.

Shepard Garden and Arts Center is located at 3330 McKinley Blvd., Sacramento.

Details and workshop registration: https://sactextilearts.org/.