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Textile Center Dye Lab is a state-of-the-art facility available for rent by Textile Center members ONLY, and is used extensively in our classes and youth programs. Designed for use by fiber art professionals and practitioners to be a functional and safe place to work with dyes and related chemicals, it is equipped for almost any dye or surface design project. Space is suited to groups no larger than 8 people, depending on the extent of the activity. To rent the dye lab and discuss any questions or exceptions, contact Cristin McKnight Sethi, cmcknightsethi@textilecentermn.org, or call 612-436-0464. The dye lab is limited to Tuesday – Saturday rentals, when Textile Center is open to the public, and schedule is based on availability.
Since an understanding of dye and pigment chemistry is necessary, as is the safe handling of chemicals used–and proper clean up–all dye lab users must take a dye lab training in order to use the facility. In addition, the primary renter for any group rental must have taken (or taught) at least one 3-hour class related to the type of work they intend to do during their rental.
The intentions of the facility are to provide work space for member artists and makers, and to provide a space for our member guilds and special interest groups to gather in community to learn and grow together in their skills in dyeing and surface design. Rentals of the facility for the purposes of teaching income-generating classes for individuals and groups that are not member guilds of Textile Center are not allowed. If you are interested in learning about surface design and textile dyeing, check out our list of upcoming classes by clicking HERE. Please check with Cristin McKnight Sethi if you have questions and to discuss options for your needs.
Dye lab trainings are members $20 for participation, and the trainings are scheduled monthly. Upcoming trainings are listed below. Program staff can check on your prior class participation and approve any relational competencies or exceptions, as needed.
Exceptions to any of these guidelines can be approved by Cristin McKnight Sethi, Director of Education (cmcknightsethi@textilecentermn.org). Please contact her with any questions.
You must be a member, and complete the Dye Lab training prior to rental of the Dye Lab! Become a member, and check our class schedule for upcoming training dates.
Full Day / 10 am – 4 pm; up to 6 hours*
Individual / 1-3 participants $150
Half Day / 10am – 1pm OR 1pm – 4pm; up to 3 hours
Individual / 1-3 participants $100
*Longer rental periods may be possible for individuals who are working with more complex dyeing processes that require extended periods of lab time. Please contact Cristin at cmcknightsethi@textilecentermn.org to discuss this further.
For Member Guilds, Special Interest Groups, and/or groups of up to 8 people. Primary renter must have completed Dye Lab training, and the guild / special interest group must be a member of Textile Center. All renters and group participants are expected to know how to conduct themselves safely on the premises, and know how to handle materials properly. Reservations are not final until payment in full is received.
Full Day / 10 am – 4 pm; up to 6 hours
$250 flat rate, for up to 8 participant artists
Half Day / 10am – 1pm OR 1pm – 4pm; up to 3 hours
$180 flat rate, for up to 8 participant artists
Use of large 40-gallon dye vat: $35 for members. Training required.
Use of steam closet: $35 for members. Training required.
Cleaning Fee, if not left in excellent condition after rental: $150, minimum
To rent the dye lab and/or adjacent classroom (this is an additional fee), please email cmcknightsethi@textilecentermn.org to check available dates and to secure a contract.
Safety Equipment
Use of the following items and equipment are included in your rental fee:
The following items are not included in your rental fee:
Small amounts of dyes and chemicals are available in the Textile Center Shop for purchase.