A three-hour workshop at the Native American Cultural Center in East Austin. You sit for a studio portrait, print it that day, and cut it into a collage with native plant photography — inspired by agave, chile pequín, prickly pear, purple coneflower and the other plants that grow here and carry stories with them. You leave with three things: a printed portrait, a finished collage, and a completed Plant Story Card in your own words. Come as you are — everyday clothes, traditional dress, or regalia. Makeup and hair available on site if you'd like touch-ups before your portrait. If you'd rather not sit for a portrait, bring a photo of a relative to collage instead. There's a community potluck, so bring a dish if you can. With permission, we photograph each piece before you take it home. Those photographs will inform a series of tapestries and printed fabric designed by Essentials Creative in collaboration with the NACC community, to be displayed at the Austin Powwow and Native American Heritage Festival on November 21, 2026 at the Travis County Expo Center. Free and open to the public. Space for 35 participants; RSVP helps us plan, and walk-ins are welcome until we're full. On site that day Photographers: Essentials Creative Makeup and hair: Casa de Ojos — Fabian Alejandro Diaz Facepaint with cochineal: AuaniCh’ipiri Rojas (they/them/red) This project is supported in part by a Nexus Grant from the City of Austin's Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Division.
