I think that “Woodstock” was the zenith of my tie dye exposure, for those who remained under exposed. The over exposed shall remain nameless. It was sort of the hey day of personal expression and colorful exploration and definitely a time when clothing, such as it was, remained optional. However, the tie dye phase seemed to fizzle a bit as things moved on through the ’70s and beyond. But not entirely.

And I’m here to tell you that this wonderful, expressive colorful art form is alive and well, right here in River City! In the hands of one Jenessa Garrett, a well known member of our local community, tie dye art is being recalibrated and re-celebrated. Jenessa is creating wonderful expressive wearable art that reveals her deep appreciation for color. Her creations represent a varied and deeply personal artistic journey that has taken her down many roads during her fully packed lifetime.

Jenessa grew up here in the Boothbay region. Her family was very involved in the community. 

Her grandparents, the Maxfields, owned “Harbor High” restaurant just up from the post office on Oak Street. We dined there often and recall Jenessa and her family. The last time I saw Jenessa was when she was a small child during some family photography, which she did not enjoy. It’s been a wonderful experience to see her again, to see her art and to actually take me back in time as I now proudly wear one of her tie dye t-shirts!   

Jenessa left Boothbay and moved out west several years after high school. Here in the Harbor she worked in restaurants, with children at the Harbor Children center over on School Street, and wherever else she could. Eventually she left the area, and moved to Oregon where she studied the “Alexander Technique.” It was a three-year, 1,700-hour course designed to help change habits and improve one’s journey through life. Many actors, musicians and athletes enroll in the program with impressive results. Jenessa hopes eventually to share her training here once her tie dye business gets rolling.

While in Portland, Oregon, Jenessa began to work with the tie dying processes. While out west she also enrolled in the Sante Fe School of Art, eventually, when the school closed during her study, finishing at IAIA, (International  American Indian Art) creating with clay and stone carving. As if all these accomplishments weren’t enough, Jenessa has also worked as a mother’s helper and is a trained postpartum doula.

If you’d like to revisit the world of colorful wearable art, please be aware of Jenessa’s upcoming appearances at the Merry Barn on Oct. 5  and the Fall Foliage Festival at the Railway Village, Oct. 12 and 13. Online you will soon be able to see Jenessa’s website, midnightsrainbow.shop, and currently at her Instagram address, @midnights_rainbow.

It’s good to have you back home Jenessa. Thank you for sharing your many talents and creative designs.