The History of Back Country Indigo

The Arts Center in Pickens County, in partnership with Clemson University and Woodburn Plantation, will present a series of free public programs about the history of indigo in Upstate South Carolina. An interdisciplinary lecture series will take place on September 9, 2009 and two hands-on indigo-dyeing workshops will take place on October 3, 2009. SC Humanities supported this program through a Major Grant in February 2009.

Three Clemson University professors will speak about the history and cultural importance of indigo to the South Carolina backcountry on September 9th. Dr. Andrea Feeser will speak about indigo and slavery in the backcountry; Dr. Karen Hall will speak about the indigo plant and indigo dyeing, and Kendra Johnson will speak about slave dress and indigo dyeing. The free public program will take place at the Arts Center in Pickens County at 212 Butler Street in Clemson.

On October 3, two free indigo dyeing workshops, one for children and one for adults, will be offered at the Arts Center in Pickens County. To register for the workshops or for more information, contact The Arts Center at 864-656-3921.

The mission of SC Humanities is to enrich the cultural and intellectual lives of all South Carolinians. SC Humanities programs and initiatives are balanced, reflecting sensitivity to the diversity of ideas, encourage open dialogue, demonstrate integrity, and are ethical in operations.