February 3, 2020
Media Contact:
Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
Part of Long Reach Rising revitalization
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Roll Up N Dye, an innovative and popular tie-dye studio that hosts parties and team-building events, is moving into the first floor of Long Reach Village Center, as part of the Long Reach Rising Revitalization project led by Howard County.
“This is another great example of a fun, creative and colorful business that will be a great addition to the already arts-centered community of Long Reach,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “Erin’s entrepreneurial spirit and passion for giving back to the community fits in with the direction and goals for Long Reach Rising – a premier hub for the arts, STEM, and entrepreneurism.”
The Village Center was built in the late 1970s and is widely used by the neighborhood residents to meet a variety of office and commercial needs. Prior to the center opening, residents of Long Reach gathered for a village meeting and voted for arts and crafts as the prevailing theme for the village center. The Long Reach Rising goal is to help stabilize the area through maintenance, repair, beautification, and placemaking. Roll Up N Dye joins the Columbia Arts Center, the Stonehouse Community Center, the African Art Museum of Maryland, and new Howard County Arts Council artists’ studios, as part of the emerging arts, culture, and entrepreneurship hub.
“I am thrilled to welcome Roll Up and Dye to the Long Reach Village Center,” said Opel Jones, District 2 Councilmember. “Erin’s creativity will be a source of new ideas and her community events will attract people to the village center and activate other elements and synergies of the creative economy.”
Roll Up N Dye opened in 2011, serving customers out of owner Erin Cassell’s garage and has seen explosive growth over nearly a decade of business. The studio hosts events, but staff will also travel off-site to parties and events. Cassell was recently recognized for winning a Changemaker Challenge grant from the Horizon Foundation and United Way of Central Maryland. The grant targeted innovative approaches to addressing community needs in Howard, which Cassell used to beautify a bus stop shelter off Route 1 in her hometown of Elkridge.
“Moving to this arts hub that has been created with goals like creating a stronger community, connection and collaboration, is a dream come true. I know that I will thrive here,” said Erin Cassell, owner of Roll Up N Dye. “Thanks to Calvin Ball and our local government for providing a place for artists to create, give back and connect. I am so grateful to be part of this new community. Just imagine the possibilities!”