Asheville’s parks and community centers offer no shortage of activities to keep summers colorful, but sometimes Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) program experts literally make the community more colorful. That is what led Grove Street Community Center Manager Shateisha Bowden to create Get Your Dye On, a tie-dye extravaganza for all ages taking place throughout the summer.
“Expect a great day outside with music and community,” says Shateisha. “This program is a great way to unleash your creativity and create a piece of clothing you can be proud to wear around town. By the end of the program, we hope every participant feels like they tried their best and have a unique piece of clothing, tote bag, or other item.”
What to Expect at Get Your Dye On
Even those with past tie dye experience should prepare to be surprised. Shateisha notes that one of the most exciting aspects of the program is discovering just how many different techniques exist. “There have been a lot of different creations that have caught us by surprise and taught us something along the way,” she says. “It is always very exciting to see the satisfaction participants get from their finished products.”
Building on the success of past APR events, Shateisha has fine-tuned this year’s program to make it the best yet. “Knowing that it has always been so much fun in the past makes it incredibly rewarding,” she adds. “We have learned a lot from previous tie-dye events, so we have a good understanding of how to help you make a piece you will love!”
Participants are also encouraged to think outside the traditional white t-shirt. Reflecting on a favorite memory from a past session, Shateisha recalls, “There was a participant last year who did an entire dress suit in tie-dye which was really cool to see. This year we are challenging people to get creative with the items they bring, whether that be a funny hat, white socks with a design, or even baby onesies.”
Details for Get Your Dye On
- Dates: June 11, July 30, and August 20
- Time: 2-4pm
- Place: Grove Street Community Center on 36 Grove Street
- Ages: All ages (kids must be accompanied by an adult)
- Cost: Free, bring two items to tie dye
- Add Get Your Dye On to Your Calendar
More Colorful Fun for Youngsters at Tie-Dye-Versity
Have a younger artist at home? APR has a special tie-dye program designed specifically for creative youngsters ages 7-10 called Tie-Dye-Versity.
- Dates: June 16 and June 30
- Time: 2-4pm
- Place: Tempie Avery Montford Community Center on 34 Pearson Drive
- Ages: 7-10
- Cost: $5, bring a plain white tee to tie dye
- Add Tie-Die-Versity to Your Calendar
Check Out All APR Programs
Get Your Die On and Tie-Dye-Versity are just two of many programs, activities, and special events taking place in Asheville parks and community centers each week! Programs fill up fast and many require advance registration, so it’s worth spending some time planning which activities and events to attend. Use these resources to discover additional opportunities:
- View APR’s free program guide online or pick up a copy at community center locations
- Search programs online, available in multiple languages via Google Translate’s Website Translator
- Follow APR on Facebook and Instagram and sign up for APR newsletters
- Discover parks, greenways, playgrounds, and recreation locations throughout Asheville
Off the Bench is an Asheville Parks & Recreation series highlighting fresh wellness-, education-, and culture-related recreation programs for community members of all ages. Driven by the promise that Asheville is a better and safer place when everyone from infants to retirees has the opportunity to be supported, healthy, and successful, talented program leaders continually introduce new opportunities for Ashevillians to explore, connect, and discover.