BEST COSTUME FOR THE DAY
With Cassie McGettigan
A creative weekend workshop in the Mendocino Redwoods
Hosted by Open Workshops
May 16 - 19, 2024
Hosted by Open Workshops
May 16 - 19, 2024
The daily chore of dressing can be an opportunity to embody your values. With your clothes, you might….
Dress for mobility.
Dress for the job you want.
Dress for pleasure.
Dress for a feminist revolution.
Dress to express your utopian ideals.
Dress for the planet.
Or
Dress like your life depends on it.
Let us hole up for four days to exchange skills and perspectives on clothes at Oz Farm, the legendary 240-acre commune turned organic farm nestled among the redwoods on the Mendocino coast. Textile artist and educator Cassie McGettigan will be your guide. Together, we will query the potential for clothes to accommodate our needs and telegraph our desires as we begin to shape them into being. Participants will learn techniques for preparing materials, constructing garments, and repairing them. All will emerge with meaningful solutions for, as Little Edie of Gray Gardens put it, “the best costume for the day.”
Clothes can represent you as a member of the world you want to live in. Inspired by 1970s communal ideals–collaboration, shared resources, environmental sustainability, equity, personal growth, exploration, and simply taking things into your own hands and building the world you want to see–you’ll experiment and begin to craft the clothes you want to wear to express your own unique intentions in this life.
We’ll have a variety of materials and tools on hand and, in the spirit of communal life, we invite you to share from your closets and archives. Please plan to bring your own most treasured garments–your intelligent vests with those great pockets, your threadbare muumuus—dearest fabric stash, sequins, buttons, ribbon, etc. to discuss, examine, or fold into the mix. Have some inspiring pics to share? Bring ‘em! If you prefer to sew with your own machine, bring it along. But know this workshop is open to all skill levels, no machine skills needed.
In the Open Workshop spirit, we may think up other creative ideas to explore independently or collectively during our time together. Between creative projects, stimulating conversations, and healthy communal meals with new friends, enjoy time to just relax and soak in the natural beauty of Oz.
All meals are included. Days begin with breakfast at 8 a.m., followed by a thoughtfully prepared light mid-day lunch, and end with a communal dinner and lively conversation under the stars. In keeping with the communal history of the property, each guest is asked to help cook one dinner with provided ingredients and produce fresh from the farm, and to clean up afterwards. Snacks will be available for those who wish to work into the night.
Interested in extending your stay a night on the front and/or back end? FREE lodging is available with your workshop registration!
See FAQs below for more details.
Limited to 12 participants, with a minimum of 6 cabin bookings required. If the minimum is not met before April 15, you will be refunded.
This adult workshop is open to everyone, no experience is required and experimentation is encouraged!
Dress for mobility.
Dress for the job you want.
Dress for pleasure.
Dress for a feminist revolution.
Dress to express your utopian ideals.
Dress for the planet.
Or
Dress like your life depends on it.
Let us hole up for four days to exchange skills and perspectives on clothes at Oz Farm, the legendary 240-acre commune turned organic farm nestled among the redwoods on the Mendocino coast. Textile artist and educator Cassie McGettigan will be your guide. Together, we will query the potential for clothes to accommodate our needs and telegraph our desires as we begin to shape them into being. Participants will learn techniques for preparing materials, constructing garments, and repairing them. All will emerge with meaningful solutions for, as Little Edie of Gray Gardens put it, “the best costume for the day.”
Clothes can represent you as a member of the world you want to live in. Inspired by 1970s communal ideals–collaboration, shared resources, environmental sustainability, equity, personal growth, exploration, and simply taking things into your own hands and building the world you want to see–you’ll experiment and begin to craft the clothes you want to wear to express your own unique intentions in this life.
We’ll have a variety of materials and tools on hand and, in the spirit of communal life, we invite you to share from your closets and archives. Please plan to bring your own most treasured garments–your intelligent vests with those great pockets, your threadbare muumuus—dearest fabric stash, sequins, buttons, ribbon, etc. to discuss, examine, or fold into the mix. Have some inspiring pics to share? Bring ‘em! If you prefer to sew with your own machine, bring it along. But know this workshop is open to all skill levels, no machine skills needed.
In the Open Workshop spirit, we may think up other creative ideas to explore independently or collectively during our time together. Between creative projects, stimulating conversations, and healthy communal meals with new friends, enjoy time to just relax and soak in the natural beauty of Oz.
All meals are included. Days begin with breakfast at 8 a.m., followed by a thoughtfully prepared light mid-day lunch, and end with a communal dinner and lively conversation under the stars. In keeping with the communal history of the property, each guest is asked to help cook one dinner with provided ingredients and produce fresh from the farm, and to clean up afterwards. Snacks will be available for those who wish to work into the night.
Interested in extending your stay a night on the front and/or back end? FREE lodging is available with your workshop registration!
See FAQs below for more details.
Limited to 12 participants, with a minimum of 6 cabin bookings required. If the minimum is not met before April 15, you will be refunded.
This adult workshop is open to everyone, no experience is required and experimentation is encouraged!
Location
Hosted by
Open Workshops
@ Oz Farm
The Mendocino Coast, California
Open Workshops
@ Oz Farm
The Mendocino Coast, California
Date & Time
11 AM Thursday, May 16 - 3 PM, Sunday, May 19, 2024
Top: Cassie McGettigan, 20??
Bottom: Dress like your life depends on it. Nicole McLaughlin is ready to rumble.
Bottom: Dress like your life depends on it. Nicole McLaughlin is ready to rumble.
You can always take off the skirt and use it for a cape...so I think this is the best costume for the day. I have to think these things up, you know. Mother wanted me to come out in a kimono, so we had quite the fight. - Little Edie, Gray Gardens, 1975
Above, Left to Right or Top to Bottom, depending on your device: Dress to express your utopian ideals. Jumpsuit designed by the Futurist Thayaht, 1919. / Celia Pym visibly repairing this fair isle sweater with such tenderness. / Archizoom - Vestirsi è facile, 1973, read Cassie's thoughts on this Italian architect designed clothing system here. / Craig Green for Moncler, 2020, / Nanni Strada - The Cloat, 1974, “The value of the dress is simply that every separate article of it expresses a law.” - Oscar Wilde, “More Radical Ideas on Dress Reform,” 1884.
About Cassie McGettigan
Cassie McGettigan is a textile artist and educator. She co-founded Gravel & Gold in 2008, a San Francisco design collective and shop where she designed silkscreen printed fabric and garments for small-scale production. She went on to receive a Textiles MFA from the Rhode Island School of Design in 2018 where she later became an instructor. Since returning to the Bay Area, Cassie has been quilting forms between painting, sculpture, and auntie utility traditions. https://casswebsite.org/
Suggested Reading
What Artists Wear, Charlie Porter
Bring No Clothes: Bloomsbury and the Philosophy of Fashion, Charlie Porter
Revolutionary Costume: Soviet Clothing and Textiles of the 1920s, Lidya Zaletova, et al
The Pocket: A Hidden History of Women’s Lives, 1660-1900, Barbara Burman and Ariane Fennetaux
Worn: A People’s History of Clothing, Sofi Thanhauser
The Golden Thread: How Fabric Changed History, Kassia St. Clair
Bring No Clothes: Bloomsbury and the Philosophy of Fashion, Charlie Porter
Revolutionary Costume: Soviet Clothing and Textiles of the 1920s, Lidya Zaletova, et al
The Pocket: A Hidden History of Women’s Lives, 1660-1900, Barbara Burman and Ariane Fennetaux
Worn: A People’s History of Clothing, Sofi Thanhauser
The Golden Thread: How Fabric Changed History, Kassia St. Clair
Bordered by redwood forest, and with the Garcia River running through its 240 acres, Oz Farm is blessed with tranquility, fresh air and clear water. The workshop will be held in a large, newly restored barn and meals will be served from the communal kitchen. A variety of private and shared sleeping accommodations are available ranging from hand-built cabins dating to the commune days to yurts and tiny homes, each with their own off-grid outhouse. A communal bathhouse with private showers and two soaking tubs serves the farm.
Oz Farm is managed as an organic farm and retreat as well as a sustainable working forest. Since 1990, Oz Farm has been growing certified organic (CCOF) apples and pears as well as a full range of vegetables. Most visitors savor its own special seclusion, redwood forests, hiking paths, river walks and restorative peace and quiet. This comparatively wild part of the “Redwood Coast” offers plenty of activities and other places to explore. Oz Farm is only a 15-minute drive from Point Arena. The town has a lovingly-restored movie theater with frequent live music shows, restaurants, and an art gallery—and is even closer to spectacular Manchester State Park with its 5-mile unspoiled beach and dunes.
Oz Farm is 'off-the-grid', using solar and wind power for all its operations.
Limited to 12 participants, with a minimum of 6 cabin bookings required. If the minimum is not met before April 15, you will be refunded.
Oz Farm is managed as an organic farm and retreat as well as a sustainable working forest. Since 1990, Oz Farm has been growing certified organic (CCOF) apples and pears as well as a full range of vegetables. Most visitors savor its own special seclusion, redwood forests, hiking paths, river walks and restorative peace and quiet. This comparatively wild part of the “Redwood Coast” offers plenty of activities and other places to explore. Oz Farm is only a 15-minute drive from Point Arena. The town has a lovingly-restored movie theater with frequent live music shows, restaurants, and an art gallery—and is even closer to spectacular Manchester State Park with its 5-mile unspoiled beach and dunes.
Oz Farm is 'off-the-grid', using solar and wind power for all its operations.
Limited to 12 participants, with a minimum of 6 cabin bookings required. If the minimum is not met before April 15, you will be refunded.
Accommodations
Click on the photo for a slide show
and the name and type of accommodation.
Each cabin is equipped with sheets, pillows, a light blanket, a wood stove, single burner stove and basic kitchenware, an outhouse, and running potable water. Some have hot showers as noted. Others have access to showers and tubs located at the community house. Further details and rate may be found on the Registration page.
NOTE! The workshop fee includes lodging and all meals Thursday - Saturday night plus brunch on Sunday. Free bonus lodging is available for anyone interested in arriving Wednesday night or staying Sunday night. We just ask that you bring your own provisions for your added time on the farm. If you would like to arrive a night early or stay a night longer, please make a note in the registration form upon checkout.
and the name and type of accommodation.
Each cabin is equipped with sheets, pillows, a light blanket, a wood stove, single burner stove and basic kitchenware, an outhouse, and running potable water. Some have hot showers as noted. Others have access to showers and tubs located at the community house. Further details and rate may be found on the Registration page.
NOTE! The workshop fee includes lodging and all meals Thursday - Saturday night plus brunch on Sunday. Free bonus lodging is available for anyone interested in arriving Wednesday night or staying Sunday night. We just ask that you bring your own provisions for your added time on the farm. If you would like to arrive a night early or stay a night longer, please make a note in the registration form upon checkout.
Early Bird Discount through April 15, 2024.
Limited to 12 participants, with a minimum of 6 cabin bookings required. If the minimum is not met before April 15, you will be refunded.
Limited to 12 participants, with a minimum of 6 cabin bookings required. If the minimum is not met before April 15, you will be refunded.
FAQs
This workshop is for adults. We will be spending a good deal of time out in the elements. The workshop and other creative projects will take place both inside and outside. Meals may be enjoyed outside as well. Days begin with breakfast at 8 a.m., include a light mid-day lunch, and end with a cocktail/mocktail hour before a thoughtfully prepared communal dinner and lively conversation under the stars.
What is included?
* A welcome gift
* An evening slide talk and presentation
* Professional instruction by knowledgeable artists and experts
* Workshop materials (Please bring fabric to share and any other treasures you wish to work with or share. If you want to bring your own sewing machine, please do!)
* Healthy vegetarian meals made with Oz Farm produce and snacks. Please share any allergies or dietary concerns in the sign-up form and let us know if you have a food allergy that could result in hospitalization.
* A glass of wine with dinner (you are welcome to BYO)
* Each cabin is equipped with sheets, pillows, a light blanket, a wood stove, single burner stove and basic kitchenware, an outhouse and running potable water.
* Time to rest, reflect, unwind, write, and connect with self, new friends, and the beautiful natural surroundings.
* Free bonus lodging is available for anyone interested in arriving Wednesday night or staying Sunday night. We just ask that you bring your own provisions for your added time on the farm. If you would like to arrive a night early or stay a night longer, please make a note in the registration form upon checkout.
What am I responsible for?
* A curious mindset
* Transportation to and from the location.
* Warm layers, sun protection, hat, sturdy closed-toed shoes
* Sleeping bag and/or extra blankets for beds (if you tend to run cold at night),
* Towels for shower and swimming
* Flashlight / Headlamp
* Water bottle
* Rain gear and waterproof boots or footwear depending on weather forecast
* Bathing suit for river dips and hot tub
* Personal dietary needs
* Optional but recommended items are binoculars, hiking boots, walking stick, and sturdy walking sandals for wading the river in the summer.
What's the Refund & Cancellation Policy?
* Individuals wishing to cancel before April 15 will receive a 50% refund. No refunds after April 15.
* The workshop will be held rain or shine.
* In the case of extreme environmental concerns, such as fire or flooding, the workshop may be subject to cancellation, in which case reservations will be 100% refunded.
* A minimum of 6 cabin bookings is required. If the minimum is not met before April 15, you will be refunded.
The workshop is limited to 12. Even though we love them, no additional guests or pets, please.
* A welcome gift
* An evening slide talk and presentation
* Professional instruction by knowledgeable artists and experts
* Workshop materials (Please bring fabric to share and any other treasures you wish to work with or share. If you want to bring your own sewing machine, please do!)
* Healthy vegetarian meals made with Oz Farm produce and snacks. Please share any allergies or dietary concerns in the sign-up form and let us know if you have a food allergy that could result in hospitalization.
* A glass of wine with dinner (you are welcome to BYO)
* Each cabin is equipped with sheets, pillows, a light blanket, a wood stove, single burner stove and basic kitchenware, an outhouse and running potable water.
* Time to rest, reflect, unwind, write, and connect with self, new friends, and the beautiful natural surroundings.
* Free bonus lodging is available for anyone interested in arriving Wednesday night or staying Sunday night. We just ask that you bring your own provisions for your added time on the farm. If you would like to arrive a night early or stay a night longer, please make a note in the registration form upon checkout.
What am I responsible for?
* A curious mindset
* Transportation to and from the location.
* Warm layers, sun protection, hat, sturdy closed-toed shoes
* Sleeping bag and/or extra blankets for beds (if you tend to run cold at night),
* Towels for shower and swimming
* Flashlight / Headlamp
* Water bottle
* Rain gear and waterproof boots or footwear depending on weather forecast
* Bathing suit for river dips and hot tub
* Personal dietary needs
* Optional but recommended items are binoculars, hiking boots, walking stick, and sturdy walking sandals for wading the river in the summer.
What's the Refund & Cancellation Policy?
* Individuals wishing to cancel before April 15 will receive a 50% refund. No refunds after April 15.
* The workshop will be held rain or shine.
* In the case of extreme environmental concerns, such as fire or flooding, the workshop may be subject to cancellation, in which case reservations will be 100% refunded.
* A minimum of 6 cabin bookings is required. If the minimum is not met before April 15, you will be refunded.
The workshop is limited to 12. Even though we love them, no additional guests or pets, please.
Join Us!
We look forward to hosting you!
Have questions? Feel free to reach out to [email protected].
Have questions? Feel free to reach out to [email protected].