Explore the colorful world of the 2026 Artist’s Garden Show, Pigments!. The garden features plants that have been used throughout history to impart color into textiles, paints, inks, and even cosmetics. Unlike most modern-day pigments made from factory chemicals, many artists prefer to use pigments which are created by grinding natural substances or soaking plant parts to create dyes.
Pigments can come from a variety of other botanical sources. For example, blues can be made using the indigo plant, which was originally used to dye the denim for blue jeans. Plants such as henna produce a reddish color, while some sunflower seeds produce a black pigment.
These plants and others will be growing in the Pigments garden, and the accompanying messaging will provide plenty of insight into the history and uses of plant pigments. More importantly, it might just inspire you make your own pigments and dyes to create paints, clothing, and fun!
The Pigments! Artist’s Garden Show runs from July 1 – September 13, 2026.