Maker-in-Residence: Meztli Projects

Preview: written before the show opened

Fire is a dye tool here. Meztli Projects, a collective of Indigenous artists led by Joel Garcia, is setting up Laboratorio Fuego Medicinal in the museum, working with California's native plants and minerals. The museum's claim is that, once fired, they give a wider range of natural colors than anywhere else in the world.

This is a Maker-in-Residence, so the making is the show. The collective works on site, with live demonstrations and informal conversation with whoever walks up. You come to watch natural dyes, textiles and the process behind them. Every two weeks there is a program: Indigenous dyeing and weaving, beading and basketry workshops, and artist-led events aimed at underserved communities.

Come on a program day if you want to see the work happen. It opens with a reception on Saturday 14 November. Admission is $12, free for 12 and under, and pay what you wish on Sundays.