WEBINAR - Lessons from the Forests: Natural dyeing with mushrooms, lichens, and plants

Join wildlife ecologist and mushroom dyer Zoe McDonell and local Musqueam artist Rita Kompst as they provide an overview of foraging and harvesting natural dyes from the forests of the Pacific Northwest using mushrooms, lichens, and plants.

Discover how to ethically harvest mushrooms as they discuss the deep roots of these colours through blending traditional Coast Salish knowledge with modern science.

This webinar is for anyone looking to view the forests around us in a different light and for anyone who wonders what is out there after the rains come.

Date: Saturday October 24, 2020
Time: 3:00pm
Platform: Zoom ( A link will be sent to participants prior to the event)
Tickets: $1-$10 Sliding Scale

Zoe McDonell

Wildlife Ecologist & Mushroom Dyer 

Zoe is a Vancouver artist of settler-descent who specializes in dyeing using the plants, windfall lichens and mushrooms from our forests. She has been teaching workshops, lectures and demonstrations on historical natural dye techniques and other fiber arts for almost 20 years. When not dyeing, Zoe is an ecologist and studies how forest communities can be more effectively managed for conservation. She lives with her husband and children on the Musqueam Reserve.

“I first met Rita at a mushroom dye workshop and knew we were destined to have some great collaborations together. I am very excited to partner with Rita to teach this workshop.”

Rita Kompst

Local Artist, Musqueam

Rita was born and raised in Musqueam. Her late father, Joseph Becker (Point), was a former Chief of Musqueam. He was also a self-taught artist who was well known for his wood carving and Salish designs. Her late mother, Evelyn Norris (Campbell) was also from Musqueam but lived on Vancouver Island. She is the eldest child and had 5 sisters and 5 brothers.

“I had never considered myself to have any artistic abilities at all but while delving back in my culture and heritage, I discovered a passion for cedar weaving and knitting. I currently work full-time as an executive assistant and now that my children are grown, spend my free time being creative! I met Zoe at a dye workshop in Musqueam and felt an instant connection to her and the work of dyeing mushrooms and other products. It is an honour to study and teach the art of dyeing with mushrooms and locally foraged products!”