African Mud Cloth Workshop with Kathye Arrington

April 27, 2025 - 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Please register on Evitebrite.
Space is limited. $10 registration fee includes all workshop materials.
Scholarships available. Ages 12+.

Discover the history of mud cloth and the role it plays in the Kohorgo culture of the Ivory Coast and in the Bamana culture of Mali. Mud cloth is created by painting images and symbols, onto cloth, to create a decorative art piece. Flat edged bamboo sticks are used to apply the mud onto the cloth.

In this workshop with Mud Cloth artist Kathye Arrington, you will create your own mud cloth painting. Ms. Arrington will share examples of mud cloths and different ways to use mud cloth. Participants will learn how to prepare the cloth to enable it to accept the mud material and to produce the bright colors and design. Participants will also be taught how to age the mud so that the various colors are produced.

You will take home the kit of tools, cloth, and mud that you use in the workshop to continue your exploration of this traditional African textile art form.

This program is made possible with a Tier Three Project Support grant from the County of Onondaga, with the support of County Executive Ryan McMahon and the Onondaga County Legislature, administered by CNY Arts.