Textile artist Hauenstein named Kudos Artist of the Month

Textile artist Bev Hauenstein has been named the Kudos Artist of the Month for August and will be honored with a public reception on Thursday, Aug. 21, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at 10 S. Main St. in Mount Vernon.

Hauenstein, a semi-retired healthcare professional, has spent the past six years honing her skills in eco printing — a sustainable art form that uses the natural colors of plants to create unique textile designs. Her journey began with a workshop led by Raeschell Noonan of Nimby Fiber and was further developed through online studies with Irish textile artist Nicola Brown.

“Eco printing has given me a new appreciation of the magic of nature and all it has to offer,” Hauenstein said. “We should cherish that gift.”

The process of eco printing involves tightly bundling leaves and flowers into fabric, then applying heat and moisture to draw out the plants’ tannins and imprint their natural pigments directly onto the material. No paints, inks or synthetic dyes are used. Hauenstein works with natural fibers like wool, silk, linen and cotton to create an array of handmade items, including scarves, wraps, table runners, ponchos, vests and jackets.

She also specializes in capturing “memories,” preserving cherished moments through customized eco printed keepsakes made from wedding and funeral arrangements or foliage from family homes.

“Nature’s magic plays the most vital role in creating one-of-a-kind unique beauty,” Hauenstein said.

The public is invited to meet the artist, view her work and learn more about the eco printing process during the Aug. 21 reception.