“There was a peace in that blue light, more peace than sleep itself, and more than that there was a freedom, and I knew that the elders had not lied, that there really was a home place of our own.”
THE WATER DANCER, TA-NEHISI COATES
WELCOME TO BLUE LIGHT JUNCTION
A natural dye studio in Central Baltimore
Alternative Color Lab • Dye Garden • Retail Space • Educational Facility
Founded by textile artist, farmer, and natural dyer Kenya Miles, Blue Light Junction is an independently run studio, committed to uplifting the techniques and work of cultural practitioners of natural dyes as well as collectively growing and grounding our work in Baltimore City.
NATURAL DYE STUDIO & ANNEX GARDEN
Blue Light Junction is a heritage project focused on growing, processing and preserving natural dyes through their histories, traditions, enhancements and use in everyday objects.
Located in Central Baltimore’s Station North/Greenmount neighborhood, Blue Light Junction operate as an alternative color lab, educational facility and gathering space. The studio also steward the annex of Hidden Harvests “Natural Dye Garden” , located next to the studio where we cultivate and host a variety of dye and medicinal plants.
BLUE LIGHT JUNCTION | STUDIO BLUE
A curated collection of storied objects and books showcasing both the devotion and the divine that is exalted and exists within myriad expressions of blue.
Visit the store or contact us at info@bluelightjunction.com for more info.
Open Every Saturday from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm
209 McAllister St, Baltimore
CONCEPT STORE &
ALTERNATIVE LIBRARY
WORKSHOPS + EVENTS
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WORKSHOP | SEPT 20th
Tatreez: Embroidery & Dyeing Workshop with Hannah Atallah
SATURDAY, SEPT 20th | 10am -2:30pm
Blue Light Junction is excited to begin our Fall season with this rich, reflective, and engaging journey through the culture and craft of Palestine. Join artist Hannah Atallah for a hands-on workshop where you will explore the intersection of natural dyeing and traditional Palestinian embroidery, known as tatreez.
In this immersive session, participants will naturally dye their own embroidery floss using madder, with materials provided by BLJ, and learn about the history and cultural significance of tatreez while stitching a motif to take home, using traditional techniques and personal expression
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VISITING ARTIST WORKSHOP
Eleko + Oniko: 2-Day Traditional Yoruba Adire Indigo Workshop with Gasali Adeyemo
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, OCT 18 + 19th | 10am - 3pm.
Blue Light Junction is honored to welcome master dye, legacy keeper and generous human Gasali Adeyemo who will be visiting Blue Light for several days from Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Trained at the Nike Center for Arts and Culture in Nigeria, Gasali’s work has been celebrated globally and featured in the 2022 film The Woman King.
Please join us for a 2-day intensive Adire with Indigo dye workshop. -
WORKSHOP SERIES | OCT 1, 8, 15 & 22
CARVED CONCOCTIONS: Garden-to-Studio Printmaking with Vetiver Napper
WEDNESDAYS, October 1, 8, 15, 22 | 5:30 -8:30 PM
In this workshop, interdisciplinary artist Vetiver will guide you through the art of printmaking using natural pigments made from vegetables, herbs, and spices commonly found in family recipes, remedies, and rituals.
Centered in preservation, the goal of this workshop is to provide participants with basic printmaking techniques through various methods (botanical printing, monotype, and linocut), enabling them to walk away with greater self-efficacy in recording their lived experiences, traditions, or those of their family and community.
Return of the IARR Residents Exhibition
Studio Blue at Blue Light Junction is proud to present a group exhibition showcasing the work of 11 artists from The Ibura Art & Research Residency.
Material, Memory & Contemporary Hands
Opening Reception
Friday, Sept 26th | 5:30-8pm
The works on view will reflect how contemporary artists are reimagining traditional natural dye practices through experimental processes, material investigation, and conceptual frameworks. The exhibition invites viewers to consider the role of material and memory in contemporary artmaking and the relevance of plant-based color in today’s creative landscape.
The exhibition will run from September 26 through December 30, 2025, featuring a range of media including textiles, sculpture, photography, and mixed media.
VOLUNTEES DAYS AT THE GARDEN
VOLUNTEER DAYS CALENDAR:
Join us during volunteer days to connect and learn more about natural dyes and the plants we grow at Blue Light Junction. This is an open space for the community, and all ages and experience levels are welcome.
During the summer season, we are working on indigo processing, harvesting flowers, and performing maintenance of the garden.
Swing by at 209 McAllister St, Baltimore any of the days marked in the calendar anytime during volunteer hours, and find us at the garden right next to the studio
Send us a message to volunteers@bluelightjunction.com for any questions you may have.
SUPPORT THE STUDIO
The natural dye studio and garden is supported by a number of committed volunteers including artist, students, teachers, and community members invested in the cultivation, exploration and preservation of natural dyes.
With your support we will continue to forge ahead with focus and commitment towards building the first natural dye studio in Baltimore City.
Support this initiative trough our GoFundMe campaign.
