https://bluelightjunction.com

Blue Light Junction (BLJ) is a heritage project focused on the cultivation and connection between people, plants and place through craft traditions, holistic earth practice and cultural histories and techniques in fiber and natural dye. BLJ centers knowledge bearers of craft and natural dye through collectively growing and processing fiber and dye plants, education based workshops and events, knowledge transfer through apprenticeships and classes, and to showcase sustained research, regenerative practices and material experimentation through the Ibura Art and Research Residency, The Alternative Color Lab and The Concept Store at Studio Blue.

Located in Greenmount/Station North in Baltimore City, Blue Light Junction was founded in January of 2020 by Kenya Miles with key support from Rosa Chang. As we close our 5th year as an organization we are grateful for the many hands throughout the years who have helped build and foster a space of deep connection, craft and community.

Looking forward to 2026 we could use your support! While we are hard at work writing grants and looking for additional capital support we are in need of immediate funds. We are hoping to raise $150,000 to continue to create, nurture and grow! This is an ongoing process and we hope you will give whatever you can and check in from time to time to support in whatever way you are able and to see what we are working on.

General Operating:

$75,000

We feel so fortunate to have found a home in Baltimore City. The studio was once an old auto-body shop and through our collective efforts and stewardship we have transformed the space into a sanctuary. We are planning a greater build out of the space (more info to come) in the future. Even in progress the Junction is a living breathing monument to love in action. Please help us continue to keep this space alive!

Financial contributions will help support the salary of our Director, Marketing Coordinator, rent, utilities, studio supplies, maintenance and more.

Hidden Harvest "annex" Dye Garden:

$25,000

The heart of BLJ is the "annex", a garden Rosa Chang and Kenya Miles began in 2019. We have cultivated and cared for this space for 6 years. The garden is open to weekly to volunteers to learn, tend, and nurture the gardens fiber and dye plants such as indigo, cotton, marigolds, cosmos, flax as well as a host of other pollinator and medicinal plants.

Financial contributions will help support the salary of our Garden Coordinator, seeds, soil, tools, and equipment essential to keeping the garden lush and bountiful.

Ibura Art and Research Residency:

$25,000

The Ibura Art & Research Residency (IARR) is a bi-annual program of Blue Light Junction (BLJ) that provides studio space, financial support, and thought partners for researchers of all backgrounds to explore a question or line of inquiry that is related to their practice and to the ongoing work at BLJ.

Between 2022 & 2024, IARR has welcomed various researchers whose practices encompass a wide variety of experiences and expressions. The residency focuses on hands-on learning and experimentation that prompts play and uplifts inquiry while making space to deepen existing knowledge.

Financial contributions will help support the salary of Resident Coordinator, stipends, studios, community engagement event, materials and more.

Workshops and Events:

$25,000

Blue Light Junction continues the work of artisans by carrying on the legacy of craft in Baltimore City. We work to honor culture bearers and teachers who come from histories and traditions of natural dye and craft. We host a myriad of community events, teaching artist, and workshops.

Financial contributions will help support the salary of our Studio Coordinator, Program Coordinator, stipends for Visiting Artist, The Alternative Library, community based events, materials and supplies, workshop stipend and more.

Thank you--we are eternally grateful,

Team BLJ

photos by: https://www.odohertyphoto.com/