Mendocino Mushroom Exhibit

While on our recent trip to Mendocino, I attended the Mushrooms & Color Exhibit at the Mendocino Art Center, presented by the International Mushroom Dye Institute (IMDI). At the Art Center, Miriam Rice experimented with mushroom dyeing; taught classes, conducted workshops, collaborated with artist Dorothy Beebee; and worked with fabric artists from around the world. I was interested to see the exhibits as well as the Art Center where so much pivotal work occurred.

 

Mendocino Art Center

The exhibit included beautiful textile pieces created with fibers dyed with mushrooms. Some of the mushrooms used include Cortinarious phoeniceus, C. californicus, C. croceofoliuos, Phaeolus schweinitzii, Hydnellum aurantiacum, Omphalotus olivescens, Boletus edulis, Gymnopilus spectabilus, and more. The variety and intensity of colors is incredible.

Mushroom Wedge Weave, by Ellen Athens
(wool)

Scarf of Flowers, by Nancy Denison
(felted wool and silk)

Spine of the Woods, by Erika J. Gottl
(Shibori silk scarf)

Part of the exhibit was dedicated to records kept for the mushroom dyeing experiments. I appreciated seeing the various ways to keep a dye journal, incorporating color swatches, written word, and illustrations. I can relate to the thrill of discovery and the scientific bent to record the details in order to share, reproduce, or alter in future projects.

Dye journal entry for Cortinarius phoenicieus, var. occidentalis

Dye journal entry for Cortinarius semisanguinea

Dye journal entry for the Dermocybe spp. group, within the genus Cortinarius

Another dye journal entry for Cortinarius phoenicieus, var. occidentalis

The Mendocino Art Center is a wonderfully inviting place for artists, art students, and museum visitors. Several buildings provide classrooms, studios, and residences. The grounds provide a courtyard, garden, and garden art installations. The whole environment invites creativity and collaboration. 

The inviting grounds of MAC

A view to the Pacific Ocean and Mendocino Headlands

It was a pleasure to see the exhibits and dye journals from Miriam Rice's days at the Mendocino Art Center, and to walk the grounds where she taught and worked. I'm inspired to try dyeing with mushrooms for myself!