Indigo has been central to South Carolina's history since it was first introduced to the then-colony 1744. Over the remainder of the 18th century, indigo would take second only to rice among South Carolina’s most valuable exports. The vibrant blue colorant yielded by the indigo plant was in high demand for the British textile industry, and American growers shipped over one million pounds of indigo to England just before the American Revolution. Thousands – perhaps tens of thousands – of laborers were responsible for the crop’s cultivation and production during this period. Today, the cultural nod to this history and population is visible along this region’s Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage. Textile artist Kristy Bishop's weavings often feature vibrant colors, bold patterns, and metallic fringe. Exploring the tactile relationship with cloth, her work incorporates historical context. Inspired by indigo's South Carolina history, Bishop uses natural dyes, including indigo, in her weavings. She connects the laborious indigo cultivation to her own methodical weaving process. As a teaching artist, Bishop shares her weaving and natural dye expertise, including indigo, in South Carolina workshops and beyond.

Attire: Comfortable walking shoes paired with darker-colored clothing. Please note that indigo dye may transfer and can stain lighter fabrics.

Departure: Please meet in the lobby of either The Charleston Place or The Cooper. Walking transfers will depart from both hotels. The walking distance to the venue is approximately 0.2 miles.