Artisan Studio Programs
Community Sustainabiilty Workshops
These free 2–3 hour hands-on experiences bring people of all ages together in creativity, reflection, and purpose. Workshops focus on practical life skills like mending, upcycling, composting, and more while expanding the definition of sustainability to include creative expression, cultural connection, and personal well-being.
Upcoming Workshop
Nature Leaves Its Mark: Botanical Dyeing & Printing
Led by Artisan Studio Director Mandisa Smith
Date: Saturday, October 24th, 2026
Session Time: 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Community Sustainability Workshops
Upcoming Class Details
Explore the art of creating color and pattern from nature in this hands-on workshop led by Mandisa Smith, Director of the Artisan Studio at Hope for Flowers by Tracy Reese. A Detroit fiber artist and experienced community arts educator, Mandisa will introduce participants to eco-dyeing techniques using leaves, flowers, and onion skins on silk and cotton. While the fabric bundles steam, participants will experiment with fresh flowers to create botanical prints on watercolor paper.
Through hands-on experimentation, participants will discover how plants can become sources of color, pattern, and artistic inspiration while exploring more sustainable approaches to artmaking. give as a meaningful gift.
Learning Objectives
- Learn the basic principles of eco-dyeing and contact printing.
- Experiment with plant materials as natural sources of color and pattern.
- Compare how silk and cotton respond differently to natural dyes.
- Learn how folding, wrapping, and bundling affect the final design.
- Explore ways to reuse plant materials that might otherwise become waste.
- Create a botanical print using fresh flowers.
- Consider how artmaking can encourage more thoughtful relationships with natural resources.
Sustainability Connection
This workshop supports several UN Sustainable Development Goals:
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Participants explore sustainable approaches to artmaking by using plant-based materials—including leaves, flowers, and onion skins—to create color and pattern on textiles and paper. The workshop encourages thoughtful use of natural resources, reuse of materials, and consideration of alternatives to conventional manufactured dyes.
SDG 15: Life on Land
Participants develop a greater appreciation for plants and the natural world by exploring leaves and flowers as sources of color, pattern, and creative inspiration. The workshop encourages responsible use of plant materials and an awareness of the importance of protecting biodiversity.
SDG 13: Climate Action
Participants consider how everyday choices about materials, consumption, reuse, and waste can contribute to more sustainable practices.
No experience necessary. All materials are provided.
Come exactly as you are.
Ages: 16 & Up
FAQ
Who is eligible to participate in free classes at the Artisan Studio?
All Hope for Flowers Artisan Studio Programming is free for residents in Detroit, Highland Park, or Hamtramck thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and funders.
What are the classes like?
Workshops are 2-3 hours long and meet either in the artisan Studio classroom or on-site at a partner organization. Unless otherwise noted, classes are open to students of all abilities and experience levels.
Expect to meet other community members curious about art and sustainability and earn a few new skills! These workshops are hands-on and require active participation.
What is the class size?
We work with each teaching artist or community educator to determine the best class size for the medium at hand, which can range from 8 to 24 students.
Where is the classroom located?
Hope for Flowers is located at 119 Garfield Street, Suite 500, Detroit MI 48201.
Our classroom entrance is on the plaza on the west side of the Freelon building. Google Maps may be inaccurate, so look out for our sign outside on the plaza.
Community workshops sometimes meet off-site at a partner organization. Check your registration materials for specific instructions for off-site workshops.
I have more questions about the class. Who do I contact?
Please reach out to the Artisan Studio Director Mandisa Smith at artisanstudio@hopeforflowers.com
Upcoming Workshops
Previous Workshops
Map
119 Garfield St, Suite 500
Detroit, MI 48201
We are located on the west side of the Freelon building on the plaza.
