Natural Dye Workshop: An Ecological Design Collective Grounding

Join the EDC for a free workshop on the practice of natural dyeing with Indigo! As part of 2024-25 EDC Itinerary Reimagining Land, this session invites participants to engage with indigo, a plant deeply intertwined with histories of labor, migration, and artistry across cultures.

Workshop Description: Guided by the traditions of resist dyeing from China, India, and Japan, participants will explore techniques that shape how fabric interacts with dye. Using an indigo vat cultivated in alignment with natural processes, attendees will create their own patterns on fabric. No previous experience is required—just a spirit of curiosity, experimentation, and play!

This workshop is hosted by Blue Light Junction, an independent dye studio founded by textile artist, farmer, and natural dyer Kenya Miles. Blue Light Junction is more than a studio; it is a living archive and community hub that uplifts the work of cultural practitioners of natural dyeing. Rooted in Baltimore’s Station North/Greenmount neighborhood, the space is dedicated to the cultivation, processing, and preservation of natural dyes. Just outside the studio, the Natural Dye Garden, stewarded in partnership with Hidden Harvest, flourishes as a site of both production and education—growing the very plants used in workshops like this one.

Details and RSVP below to reserve a spot for the tour. Only 1 reservation per person.

DETAILS

Cost: Free

Materials: All materials will be provided for this workshop. You are welcome to bring a
notebook and something to write with for note-taking.
Refreshments: Water, seltzer, tea & light snacks will be provided. Feel free to bring
along additional food if necessary. There is a refrigerator to store food/drink and a
microwave. Utensils, plates and cups are also available.
Workshop Details: Includes one (x1) bandana to dye per person (max 15 participants)
2-hour Indigo dyeing facilitation w/Blue Light Junction Founder Kenya Miles
resist (itajime, shibori, resist techniques)

Blue Light Junction Address: 209 McAllister Street, Suite A, Baltimore, MD 2120

Parking: Street parking (without meters + 2 hours) is available on Guilford Avenue
and E Lafayette. North Calvert and E. North Ave have (metered parking)
Entrance: You will see a gray door marked “Blue Light Junction”. Please enter here.
There is one step up to enter the studio. The studio entrance is next to Hidden
Harvest Farm in the alleyway between E. Lafayette and E. North Avenue.

Event Series:

This event is a continuation of the EDC’s 2024-25 itinerary for “Reimagining Land,” anchored in a monthly series of “Groundings” that explore Baltimore’s ecology, history, and contemporary place-making efforts through experiential events.

Spaces are limited. Please email collective@ecodesigncollective.org if you need to cancel your RSVP, or if you would like to be added to the waitlist.