Art Elephant Sale, Indigo Dye Day return to Shepard Center

Find the makings of some creative garden art – and all sorts of other craft and textile materials – during one of the Shepard Garden and Arts Center’s most fun events: the annual Art Elephant Sale and Indigo Dye Day.

Hosted by the Sacramento Collective for the Textile Arts, the Art Elephant Sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 14, at Shepard Center in McKinley Park. Admission and parking are free.

“Art Elephant provides a fun bazaar where buyers and sellers meet, featuring materials and tools for all kinds of artistic, crafty, and creative endeavors,” say the organizers.

Creative people, like everyone, tend to accumulate a lot of extra stuff – especially art and crafts supplies, note the organizers. They may try a craft or artistic pursuit, decide that’s not for them, and change direction – but they still have all the stuff to go with that cast-off hobby.

The idea behind Art Elephant: Let creative folks free up their work space (and closets) and share that bounty with others.

“It’s also a great way for everyone to share ideas, draw inspiration and make new friends,” add the organizers.

It’s sort of a treasure hunt for crafters and artists. All sorts of unusual and hard-to-find items will be offered for sale, mostly in the $1 to $5 range. (Bring cash, please.)

Tables will be staffed by members of the textile center’s study groups, such as jewelry, ceramics, dyeing, needlework and quilting.

“Come find the supplies you need and visit with like-minded creatives in a safe, outdoors, socially distant way,” say the organizers.

In addition to the sale, Saturday is SCTA’s annual “Community Indigo Dip Dye Day.” Make reservations to learn how to tie-dye with indigo; slots are available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Did you know there’s a 50 percent chance the clothes you’re wearing right now were dyed with indigo?” say the organizers. “This rich, timeless blue has connected cultures for centuries – and now it’s your turn to dive in! Participants will explore the magic of indigo and create stunning patterns using simple tools like clamps, blocks, rubber bands, and string. You’ll dye either a bandana or a piece of cotton – perfect for wearing, displaying, or using in your next sewing or craft project. No prior dye experience is needed!”

(One word of caution: Indigo stains! Wear old clothes while tie-dying.)

Shepard Center is located at 3330 McKinley Blvd., Sacramento.