“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 BAZAAR AT BLJ
DEC 11th - DEC 14th
For our last programming of the year, we are opening our doors for a full weekend of community, making, and holiday creativity. Across the weekend, we’ll offer open market hours, hands-on programming, and a closing celebration to honour our exhibition and our fifth year in community — rooted in our ongoing practice of preservation through research, making, and dialogue.
Mark the dates in your calendar!
THURSDAY, DEC 11th | 5–8 PM: Concept Store Re-Launch Reception
FRIDAY, DEC 12th | 5–9 PM (Station North Art Walk) Closing Reception of the Exhibition “Material, Memory, & Contemporary Hands” with a Community Dialogue with Jordan Brown & Diego Borgsdorf
SATURDAY, DEC 13th | 10-8 PM: Indian Woodblock Workshop with Trisha Gupta & Pop-Up Market with Zawadi
SUNDAY, DDEC 14th | 11-6 PM: Pop-Up Market & 1:1 Indigo Session w/Kenya Miles
BLUE BAZAART PROGRAMMING
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THURSDAY, DEC 11th | 5-8pm
Concept Store Re-Launch & Reception
Join us for the relaunch of our Concept Store, featuring a newly curated selection of handcrafted items from local artists.
From 5 to 8 pm, stop by the studio to enjoy light refreshments, music, art, and a community gathering while you do your holiday shopping. Support small businesses and connect with artists, makers, and friends of BLJ.
Free and open to the public. No registration required.
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FRIDAY, DEC 12th | 5-9pm
DECEMBER ARTWALK: Closing Reception & Community Dialogue.
Join us for the closing reception of Material, Memory, & Contemporary Hands during the December Station North Art Walk from 5 to 9 pm.
From 6–7 PM, we invite you to participate in an artist conversation where IARR residents Jordan Brown and Diego Borgsdorf will lead A Community Dialogue: In the Company of Books.An intimate conversation about creativity, inspiration, and the books that shape their practices.
This conversation invites the public into BLJ’s Alternative Library, a shared space for exchange, reflection, and curiosity.
Free and open to the public. No registration required. -
SATURDAY, DEC 13th | 10am-3pm
Stories in Print: Exploring Indian Woodblock Traditions with Trisha Gupta.
Join artist and educator Trisha Gupta for a hands-on exploration of traditional Indian woodblock printing — a practice rooted in centuries of artistry, storytelling, and cultural preservation.
Guided by Trisha, participants will learn the fundamentals of block printing using pre-hand-carved wooden blocks and indigo print paste. They will learn to create layered patterns, connect with the stories behind the motifs, and reflect on the threads that shape textile practices around the world.
SUNDAY, DEC 14th | 11am -6pm
1-1 Indigo dye Session w/ Kenya Miles
Join artist and BLJ Founder Kenya Miles for a one-on-one, one-hour-long indigo dye session. Refresh a beloved old item and transform it into something new.
During your time, you will learn basic dyeing and resist techniques to create unique imagery. Participants are encouraged to be experimental and playful in their practice and journey.
Material, Memory & Contemporary Hands
CLOSING RECEPTION FRIDAY, DEC 12th | 5-9pm
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.
The exhibition will run from September 26 through December 30, 2025, featuring a range of media, including textiles, sculpture, photography, and mixed media.
Gallery Hours
Saturdays 10:30am -2:30pm
Appointment available upon request.
Send us an email to bljstudioblue@gmail.com for more information.
VOLUNTEER 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.
Swing by at 209 McAllister St, Baltimore, on 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.
