Sherry Haar, a natural dye scholar and fashion studies professor at Kansas State University, offers a unique perspective on fashion. Haar is focused on designing for the final rite of passage.

“We have clothes for every significant event, so why not consider what we wear for our last rite of passage?” she said. “I design for death.”

Haar’s expertise in natural dye and design is used to create biodegradable textile art, such as burial cloaks, quilts, and coffin covers, to encourage discussions about sustainable end-of-life fashion and green, or natural, burials. She explores how fiber art can inspire conversations about death while promoting decomposition and environmental sustainability.

Green burials focus on caring for the deceased while maintaining or enhancing the burial environment. This practice includes using biodegradable textiles to wrap or dress the body.

“I hope my fiber art conveys a sense of curiosity about something new — in this case, of course, green burial awareness,” Haar said. “I hope it spurs conversations about end-of-life plans and how human and environmental well-being can tie into those plans. I also want people to connect with the beauty, color, and pattern of this special place.”

Haar’s work will be showcased in the “Return to Prairie: Textiles for Green Burial Awareness” exhibition at the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art from September 3 to December 21.

Admission to the museum is free, and free parking is available adjacent to the building. You can find more information on this exhibit, and museum hours here.