Kraxberger Middle School students recently enjoyed making dyes from insects with expert tapestry weaving artists.
Students learned how to crush the dried cochineal beetles and add lime juice to create a bright red dye for the wool. By adding baking soda to change the pH, they were able to change the color to various shades of red and purple.
Francisco and Laura Bautista are 4th generation master weavers originally from Oaxaca, Mexico, now residing in Oregon. They accepted teacher Audrey Delgado's invitation to visit Kraxberger's 3D Art class to share with students their history and inspiration, as well as the process of designing and creating their artworks.
The Bautistas brought some samples of their hand-dyed wool and artworks, including a tapestry weaving with decorative trout showing how they have married Zapotec and Northwest artistic traditions. They also use natural, local ingredients like dried apple leaves and dandelion to create dyes for their wool.
The Lakewood Center for the Arts provided a grant for weaving materials, including tabletop looms, that Kraxberger students are using to create their own tapestry weavings.