Botanical Stories

Botanical Stories invite visitors to connect with nature through hand dyed textile art created by Maki Teshima. The installation uses silk organza dyed entirely with organic materials sourced from local restaurants, flower shops, and the gardens and kitchens of Maki and her friends. Each hue tells a unique story, reflecting Maki's personal connections to these colors. The transparent fabric layers overlap, revealing new visuals as viewers move through the space, creating an ever-changing display of nature.

The exhibition also features previous work from a 2023 public art installation called Musubi//connections. This project created Kanou Musubi (叶結び), or  wishing knots, made from naturally dyed, repurposed t-shirts. Each knot forged a connection between nature, culture, community and individuals. Visitors are encouraged to add their own wishes and knots to the artwork.

Botanical Stories opens to the public on Saturday, October 19th with a reception from 4pm-8pm.  

Maki will demonstrate her dyeing technique and Gwendolyn Hope Gussman, the choreographer and creative director of Holdtight Dance Company, will perform a short improv dance at 5pm. Maki will also sell limited edition hemp cotton t-shirts.

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Artist Bio

Maki Teshima, a native of Japan, is a Denver-based botanical dye textile artist. She specializes in creating wall art, mobiles, sculptures, and installations using recycled materials, textile waste, food waste, and materials she finds in nature.

Teshima's artistic journey is deeply rooted in her connection to nature, where she intertwines the notions of beauty and impermanence. Recently, Teshima has been collaborating across various genres. Notable projects include her installation 'Musubi // Connections,' executed with The INSITE Fund art grant in Spring 2023, and her collaboration “together : un/tethered” with the interdisciplinary dance company Holdtight at the Studio Loft at Ellie Calkins Opera House in Spring 2024.

Learn more about Maki and her work on her website and her Instagram!

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‍Public Hours:

Thursdays through Sundays, 12:00pm – 6:00pm October 19 - November 24, 2024

Reception: Saturday, October 19th from 4pm-8pm.  Free and Open to the Public!

Understudy is free-to-visit and open to all. We are located at the Colorado Convention Center / Theatre District light rail stop near 14th and Stout. Look for the Shantell Martin art bench.