Dyeing to make a difference: Sustainable textiles in Kentucky
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 29, 2025)—What began as a small dye garden at the University of Kentucky Arboretum has grown into a hands-on summer internship and cross-listed course that immerses students in the sustainable production and use of natural dyes. The project was sparked several years ago when horticulturist Shari Dutton received the book “A Dyer’s Garden” as a Christmas gift.
Shari Dutton, Extension Associate in the UK’s Department of Horticulture; Crystal Gregory, associate professor in the School of Art and Visual Studies; and Anne-Frances Miller, professor of chemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences, lead the project. Together, they integrate art, horticulture, and chemistry, allowing students to gain knowledge through direct, hands-on application.
