I met Donna in 2004 at Convergence, a hand weavers’s conference in Denver CO. This was the very beginning of my own immersion into natural dyes and Donna helped me to jump-start that journey with natural dye extracts. At that time she was co-owner of a company that sourced and sold natural dye extracts. Donna was a skilled dyer and was generous in providing information and guidance to me. As I went deeper into the natural dye world, we spent time together at her home in Denver, CO and at mine in North Carolina. We puzzled over process, asked questions, did lots of dye testing, and relished our times together.
In 2013 Donna and I were invited to Guatemala to teach a natural dye workshop, in partnership with Mayan Hands. We taught cotton mordanting processes to a group of women who were skilled back-strap weavers. They were looking to diversify their own work and increase their revenue stream. We were very conscious of demonstrating processes that were sustainable in their remote mountain location. And the colors needed to be bright! We accomplished that!
Eventually, Donna and I both evolved in our approaches to dyeing and embraced the source of those dye extracts: the dye plants themselves. I began growing plants in my own garden but Donna had a larger vision: a community garden project that would inform, inspire, and engage.
The Janice Ford Memorial Dye Garden was begun in 2014 at The Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms location in Littleton, Col. It was formed as a collaboration between the Botanical Gardens and the Rocky Mountain Weaver’s Guild. Under Donna’s tutelage, a community of volunteers have worked together year round: planning, researching, planting, weeding, harvesting, drying plant materials, and dyeing. This garden has brought hands-on dye experiences and education about sustainable practices to community members of all ages. It is a testament to what an individual with a vision can do. Donna was a beloved community leader. She will be dearly missed.
In 2019, Donna and her husband, Cliff, began another dye garden with the The Corey Brown Memorial Dye Garden at the John C. Campbell Folks School in North Carolina. Donna taught classes at the Folk School many times and always cherished her time there. At this time of year, in July, that garden is full of color, possibilities and memories.
Next July (2025) It will be my privilege to teach a class at the Folk School: Growing Color: In Honor of the Legacy of Donna Brown, where we will use plants from that garden and celebrate the life and work of Donna Brown.
Natural Dye: Experiments and Results 
Thank you, Catherine, for this beautiful tribute to Donna Brown. We miss her dearly, and feel so privileged to have known and learned from her. Words just aren’t enough to express what she has meant to us. We hope we can do her justice in years to come. – Janét Bare, Rocky Mountain Weavers Guild and Janice Ford Memorial Dye Garden
A beautiful tribute to Donna and her work in the natural dye world. Wonderful that she has left these great gardens to be explore. I am sorry for your loss of your good friend.
I did not know Donna.
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Catharine,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss of such a good friend, and for the loss to the natural dye community as well. It was always an inspiration to hear her speak about the natural dye garden at Denver Botanical Gardens, and natural dyeing in general. I’m grateful to have heard her speak in person at the TSA Conference in Savannah and other places — and what a beautiful memorial for you to teach from the garden at John C Campbell next summer.
Elizabeth Bennett
Catharine, Thank you for honoring and sharing about your friendship with Donna. My condolences to you and her family and friends. I first became aware of Donna and her interest in natural dyes as an undergraduate fiber student at Colorado State University and always enjoyed crossing her path. Sad news to read this day, But I appreciate knowing.
Lisa K
Thanks, Lisa
Catharine, such a lovely tribute to Donna and the work and love of natural dyeing she was so generous in sharing. I love that you are teaching a class in her honor. We will all certainly miss her mentorship.
What a shock! I’m sorry for your loss Catharine, I know you were dear friends.
Last time we meat in China 1st Natural dyes symposium 2019
Dear Catharine, Your friend accomplished a lot. It is inspiring to read about her. My condolences to you in your loss. Michaela
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What a lovely tribute to Donna. She has left a rich legacy with her dye gardens and it is wonderful you are carrying on at Campbell Folk School. Thank you for telling us more about Donna who many of us know. Karen
Yes, we all have our stories about Donna. She touched so many….
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