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Illustration

The First-Ever U.S. Batik Exhibition

Presented by Shalawalla

August 31 - September 30, 2024

Open through September Thursday-Sunday 11 am to 4 pm
Call 719 742 3453 for an appointment.

105 W Ryus Ave, La Veta, CO 81055La Veta, Colorado























Batik by Beth EvansLa Veta, CO

Batik artwork depicting a man and child by Jonathan Evans from La Veta Colorado displayed at the BatikUSA exhibition.

Batik by Jonathan Evans, La Veta, Colorado

About the Batik USA Exhibition

The Estelle Center is pleased to host the first-ever BatikUSA exhibition in La Veta, Colorado.
Some of the most talented batik artists from across the United States will showcase here in southern Colorado in celebration of the International Year of Batik. Come and discover stunning pieces, learn about the artists, and immerse yourself in the unique process of creating batik art throughout the month of September.
The public is welcome to attend the opening night event on Friday August 31 from 4 pm to 9 pm when 15 talented artists will present their pieces. Artists’ talks begin at 4:30 pm and refreshments and live music can be enjoyed throughout the evening.
The exhibit will be open and artwork available for purchase throughout the month of September.
This exhibition is presented by Shalawalla.

Exhibit Hours

Open through September Thursday-Sunday 11 am to 4 pm
Call 719 742 3453 for an appointment.

105 W Ryus Ave, La Veta, CO 81055

Gallery

Batik landscape artwork of a rural homestead by Beth Evans from La Veta Colorado in the BatikUSA exhibition.

Beth EvansLa Veta, Colorado

Batik portrait of a man and child by Jonathan Evans from La Veta Colorado at the Estelle Center BatikUSA show.

Jonathan EvansLa Veta, Colorado

Vibrant batik artwork of The Grand Canyon with fiery colors by Mary Edna Fraser in the BatikUSA exhibition.

The Grand CanyonMary Edna Fraser

Surreal batik artwork titled Day Dream by David Lucht featuring a figure with lanterns and bold colors.

Day DreamDavid Lucht

Batik landscape of tree shadows on a golden field by Deb Jo Jones from Okeana Ohio in the BatikUSA show.

Deb Jo JonesOkeana, Ohio

Circles of Life: Colorful batik artwork titled Circles of Life featuring a tree and nature motifs by Doris Thurber from Kentucky.

Circles of LifeDoris Thurber, Kentucky

Batik artwork titled Before Dawn depicting trees and northern lights by Herndon Leigh at BatikUSA.

Before DawnHerndon Leigh

Batik artwork titled Moon in One Hundred Cups with moonlit teacups by Kiranada Sterling Benjamin.

Moon in One Hundred CupsKiranada Sterling Benjamin

Batik artwork titled Wash Day depicting colorful laundry hanging in a market scene by Muffy Clark Gill.

Wash DayMuffy Clark Gill

Batik artwork titled Touched by Spirit featuring a decorative fan design by Marilyn Salomon.

Touched by SpiritMarilyn Salomon

Batik artwork titled Bari Vecchia depicting an Italian alleyway scene by Vito Raccanelli.

Bari VecchiaVito Raccanelli

BatikUSA Artists

Dorothy Bunny Bowen, New MexicoMarilyn Salomon, CaliforniaKiranada Sterling Benjamin, New HampshireDeb Jo Jones, OhioMary Edna Fraser, South CarolinaDavid Lucht, KentuckyMuffy Clark Gill, FloridaHerndon Leigh, Florida

Kristina Trejo, CaliforniaRenata Ferguson, ArizonaDebbi Sigg, UtahVito Racanelli, ColoradoBeth M, Evans, ColoradoJonathan S. Evans, ColoradoDoris Thurber, Kentucky

Sponsors

Batik USA Show Sponsor
Batik USA Show Sponsor
Illustration

What is Batik Art?

Batik is a traditional art form that involves decorating cloth using wax and dye, creating intricate patterns and designs. This ancient technique has been practiced for centuries in various parts of the world, including China, Japan, India, South America, and Europe.

Detailed batik artwork Bari Vecchia by Vito Raccanelli showing an Italian village street scene illustrating the batik creation process.

Creation Process of Batik

The process of making batik involves several steps:

    Drawing and Waxing The artist blocks out selected areas of the design by applying hot wax over them. The cloth is then dyed, and the parts covered in wax resist the dye, retaining the original color.

    LayeringMultiple layers of wax and dye can be applied to create elaborate and colorful designs. After the final dyeing, the wax is removed, revealing the intricate patterns on the cloth.

    Contemporary TechniquesModern batik artists use a variety of techniques such as spraying, etching, cracking, and marbling. They also employ different tools like stamps, brushes, and stencils, along with various types of wax and dyes on different surfaces.

    Expressive Art FormBatik is known for its expressiveness and subtlety, offering artists a flexible and exciting medium to explore. The process often brings unexpected elements of surprise and delight, making it a fascinating and addictive art form for many.(Source: The Batik Guild)

Pictured left is a batik by Vito Raccanelli called Bari Vecchia

Materials Used in Creating Batik

To create batik art, you will need the following materials:

Pencil & Paper

Fabric Dyes

Beeswax

Latex-Free Rubber Gloves

Muslin

Containers with Lids for Dyes

Crockpot or Hot Plate

Clothes Iron

Scissors

Water

Tjanting Needles

Patience

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