Session: Protest + Print, Fall 2025

Artists: 8 high school students

Materials: paper, pencil, erasers, file folders, X-Acto knife, fabric dye, soda ash, fabric spray paint, embroidery floss, needles, felt, scrap fabric, fabric scissors, acrylic paint, paint brushes, glue gun

Description:

With the guidance of guest teaching artist Cordy Joan and support from seasoned Girls Garage instructor Alex Bowman, our young artists delved into the world of textile arts by crafting pennant banners. They received a crash course in fabric dyeing, sewing, weaving, embroidery, and much more in six weeks. After hand-dyeing natural fabrics using soda ash to help permanently bond colors to the fibers, students cut stencils out of file folders, spray painted text, and added embroidered details, including text, florals, and ornate borders.

On top of finishing up their projects in time, students were also visited by a RISD admissions officer. Together, they discussed application processes, portfolio reviews, financial aid options, art programs, and other opportunities outside of the school year. A huge shoutout to guest teaching artist Cordy Joan for lending their expertise! Inspired by this class, Cordy has contributed a beautiful double-sided pennant to our online auction.