Shari Dutton is an Extension Associate in UK’s Department of Horticulture

As part of her Extension work, Shari is a collaborator in this project

exploring sustainable plant-based sources of color. Her deep

appreciation for natural fibers and functional art has inspired her

to apply horticultural principles to innovate within natural dye

plant systems and sources.

Crystal Gregory is an artist, researcher, and the Arturo Alonzo Sandoval Endowed Professor in Fiber in the School of Art and Visual Studies, University of Kentucky. Her studio practice explores the intersections of woven textiles, place, and the vibrant colors found in natural environments. Through her work, she delves into the unique "hyper-geography" of color derived directly from the dye garden, revealing its intrinsic connection to specific locations. Gregory teaches textiles and sculptural practices, encouraging creative intervention across various disciplines.

Anne-Frances Miller is Gill Eminent Professor in UK's department of Chemistry. Her research is revealing strategies used by ancient microbes to maximize their energy efficiency and versatility, using proteins, metal ions and pigments that they make for themselves. Her goal is that such 'light energy' mechanisms can enable inexpensive, renewable, modular capture and deployment of truly sustainable power, by people. She makes the underlying chemistry accessible, through lessons woven into textile art using plant sources, in her collaboration with colleagues in Agriculture and Fine Arts. From farm to fashion, plant to pigment and Power through Play.