Discover the colorful possibilities of natural plant dyes in this hands-on workshop with Daria Van Nice and Karlee Maríel. Participants will use flowers, leaves, and other botanical materials to create one-of-a-kind patterns on a tote bag while learning the basics of sustainable, plant-based dyeing. Leave with a unique handmade textile and the inspiration to continue exploring natural dyes at home.
Daria Van Nice is the photographer behind Raw Images Photo. They have always been drawn to light— the way it slips through trees, stretches across a face, or transforms something ordinary into a moment worth pausing for. Photography began as a way to preserve those quiet moments that often go unnoticed.
Over time, that same fascination with light led Daria deeper into the garden. Working with plants taught them to slow down and notice subtle changes: new growth, shifting seasons, and shadows moving across leaves. The garden became another studio, and their creative practice naturally expanded from documenting nature to working directly with it. Whether behind the camera or dyeing fabric with plants, Daria follows the same thread: finding and sharing the quiet beauty woven through the natural world.
Karlee Maríel is a multi-disciplinary artist working in various media. Over the span of her 30-year career she has created countless oil portrait commissions and realistic sculptures of both people and animals. She has created numerous large-scale murals for both private and public institutions. She resides in San Diego and is a working artist and educator.
This free workshop is provided by Space 4 Art and sponsored by The Prebys Foundation. The Arts Ecosystem grant aims to bring more art funding to the San Diego Art Economy. The grant is part of the Prebys Foundation’s 2025 Emergency Arts Investment, which responds to significant challenges facing the region’s arts sector, including federal and state funding cuts, rising operational costs, and the need to preserve vital community spaces for creativity.
By enrolling in this class, you acknowledge and agree that photos and video may be taken during the event. These materials may be used by the organizers for marketing, promotional, and educational purposes.