Tributary Session 2: Riffle & Flow

with Vanessa Duque & Pen Pender

In this afternoon session, we allow time and space for rhythms and layers (deep, surface, slow and fast) rest and play. Creative activities will encourage clarity and depth, allowing our perspectives on the emerging themes of the weekend to shift and change.

Questions for this session:

What is transient, and what stays?
What do we notice in the movement of the creative processes we are engaged in?
What is visible or felt only at certain velocities? What is still?
*What obstructions might there be?

We begin by slowing down and reflecting on what the river carries and weaves, what is gathered by the current and along the water’s surface. We then notice the distinct colours of the season in place before gathering materials and preparing a yellow dye.

Through play with layering colour dyeing fabric ribbons and alternating with making natural pigment drawing medium, we explore how materials transform and change over time.

From there, we walk to the Merri Merri, observing what the water has woven together: leaves, branches, twigs, plastic, feelings and other traces along the creek. As we move, we continue reflecting on the river’s shifting rhythms transient and still, flowing and riffled, while colouring, weaving and mark-making together beside the creek.

All art materials provided
This session takes place indoors at NECCHi East Coburg and outdoors along the Merri Merri – for outdoor sessions, please wear suitable shoes that are good for walking over uneven ground, water bottle, snacks, sun/rain protection
Please get in touch with any access needs

Session facilitators:

Vanessa Duque (she/her) is a fashion practitioner whose denim practice currently explores indigo as a way of working slowly and reciprocally with materials; and currently researching human–material collaborations through indigo, tracing the journey from plant to colour and reimagining materials as sites for living and cultural connection. vanessaduque.studio

Pen Pender (she/her): 'I have a long held passion for plants. Growing, tending and learning about them as a florist and gardener. My introduction to natural dyeing came from reading a magazine article in 2019, I have been hooked ever since! This is an ancient craft and one that is fascinating to explore. It is seeing a welcome revival and with it the awareness of materials, thoughtful manufacture and consumerism.' penpender.com

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This event is an inclusive and intersectional space. Everyone of all ages, backgrounds, sexualities, genders, bodies and abilities is welcome.

Nature-hearted Collective acknowledge Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country where these workshops take place and express our respects to First Nations Elders and to all First Peoples

This workshop is part of:

Tributary for Birrarung Riverfest

a Nature-hearted weekend for Birrarung Riverfest 2026. Click here to see all events

About Birrarung Riverfest

This event is part of the 2026 Birrarung Riverfest. Celebrate the Yarra, Birrarung at one of 70+ events hosted over three weeks from 27 September to 18 October.

Whether you enjoy riverside walks, cleanups, creative workshops, wildlife spotting or paddling adventures, there's something for everyone at Riverfest.

Riverfest is presented by the Yarra Riverkeeper Association with thanks to our partners Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo collaboration and Water4Good. Check out the full Riverfest program here.

Contact the host of Tributary Session 2: Riffle & Flow