JANE ROBERTS DEGROFF / Creative Aging: 55+ Community Shibori

2025

Adults age 55+ were invited to participate in a hands-on shibori workshop series taught by local artist Jane Roberts DeGroff. Jane is a textile artist who specializes in the ancient Japanese art of shibori. In this process, fabric is manipulated into a three-dimensional form by folding, crumpling, stitching, or twisting. The cloth is then secured before it is submerged in indigo dye to create resist patterns. Over the course of five consecutive weekly workshops, participants will learn basic techniques and make unique works of art using the process of shibori. All skill levels welcome, no prior experience or skills required. All materials will be provided.

 The Creative Aging workshop structure and funding was generously provided by Utah Arts and Museums.

About the Instructor

Jane Roberts DeGroff iis a textile artist specializing in Shibori techniques and natural dyes. She draws inspiration from colors in nature and her female ancestors who were makers. DeGroff grew up on a dairy farm in western Wyoming and remembers playing under quilts stretched on frames, surrounded by women from her family and community. The sounds of women talking and laughing while stitching were comforting and created a sense of security. Shibori patterns are created by stitching and pulling the threads tight to create a resist before dyeing. These stitch-resist techniques are inherently slow and repetitive. For DeGroff, this practice has a calming and meditative effect. Combined with harvesting local plants and making dyes, the artist reflects on the processes as restorative and healthy in a world that is increasingly anxious and rushed. Fabric plays a significant part in the emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects of our lives. DeGroff received a BFA from Brigham Young University and resides in rural Sanpete Valley.