NIAD’s Biennial Fashion Runway Event The Way We Are, Now Goes Big!

Join NIAD Art Center on September 14 to celebrate The Way We Are, Now, an exhibition and runway event showcasing the latest designs from NIAD’s beloved Fashion Class.

The unifying theme of the show is this strong and expansive sense of self. Fashion has the power to affirm and transform: what we wear tells a story about who we are and who we might one day hope to become.

Over the past year, members of the class have filled every available clothing rack with expressive outfits, theatrical costumes, and wearable art objects. Now, a selection of these styles is set to debut in a multi-sensory gallery experience organized by Studio Director and Fashion Facilitator Shantanice Swain.

Artists were encouraged to experiment with materials and draw inspiration from personal histories, pop culture, and future fantasies. The resulting works are decidedly fresh and of-the-moment. There’s much enthusiasm for this welcoming and playful approach to the art form, as Shantanice explains:

“The love for fashion spreads into other areas—now the whole studio is thriving off of it. For me, fashion is about what you’re comfortable with. It can shift, and it can be anything. It’s a bold and courageous way of saying, ‘I am who I am today.'”

NIAD artist Carlota Rodriguez agrees, adding,

“Perfect day, favorite shirt.”

To honor the many forms of storytelling, the runway event on September 14th will feature dance, opera, and spoken word performances. Artists will then present their creations on the catwalk.

Among these will be several dresses adorned with springtime motifs by veteran NIAD artist Karen May. Karen learned to sew as a child, spending hours watching her mother make clothes. She carries on her family’s stitching legacy, incorporating appliqué, found objects, and handwoven tapestry on her couture garments. After considering the special synergy of the Fashion group, Karen proposed the exhibition title. She elaborates,

“I like the way we are now. It’s how we speak in our own way — it’s how we sew the yarn. I saw leaves on the dress so I thought, ‘How about a rose?’ Put it down so everyone can know that there’s an answer for a reason.

NIAD artist Julio Del Rio is showing his sketches in the exhibition and walking in the runway event, and his meticulous line work carries over into his embroidery. He describes his interdisciplinary approach:

“I drew those things that you put in your hair, headbands, and earrings. Then I finished sewing the clothes for the fashion show with all those colors too.

All NIAD events are free and open to the public. RSVPs are encouraged. Donations are appreciated.

The Way We Are, Now exhibition is on display in all galleries at NIAD Art Center from August 17th to September 20.

PROGRAMMING

SATURDAY AUGUST 17
Opening Reception for the Annex Gallery Exhibition
1 to 4pm
The Way We Are, Now: NIAD Fashion Illustrations 
An exciting preview of NIAD’s fashion extravaganza/runway event coming up on Saturday September 14, these sketches and illustrations showcase the design talent coming out of NIAD’s Fashion Class.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 14
Trunk Show
1 to 4pm
Browse NIAD’s deep archive of one-of-a-kind textiles, jewelry, and all types of wearables in unexpected shapes, colors and textures. Also on offer: new variations on t-shirts and merch with the NIAD designs you know and love. In celebration of NIAD’s flair for fashion, we’re offering a rare sale on wearables.

Artist Performances
2pm
Fashion meets fantasy with a dance performance from NIAD artist Heather Hamann and an opera recital from Kaya Davis. Dorian Reid will give a spoken word performance powered by a lifetime of animal advocacy.

Runway Event
2:30pm to 3:30pm
Food, drinks, music, art and fashion at NIAD!

See it all in motion on the NIAD runway in the culminating event of The Way We Are Now.

The inclusive spirit of the title is woven through the event:

— 26 NIAD artists wearing one-of-a-kind designs by fellow NIAD artists will leave it all on the runway, emceed by NIAD facilitator Kate Laster.

— NIAD Studio Director and DJ Liam Golden will be spinning tunes as diverse and genre-defying as NIAD’s artists.

— The NIAD kitchen will offer a crowd-pleasing spread with bites for every palate.

— Show-stopping hair and make-up from NIAD facilitator and resident glamazon Terri “Champagne” Moore.

ARTISTS PARTICIPATING IN THE WAY WE ARE, NOW

Heather Hamann
Shana Harper
Raven Harper
Shantae Robinson
Heather Copus
Deatra Colbert
Maria Radilla
Karen May
Julie MacDonald
Robin Rakoczy
Jonathan Valdivias
Alice Sampson
Richard Naranjo
Esmeralda Silva
Julio Del Rio
Felicia Griffin
Christian Vassell
Halisi Noel-Johnson
Jason Powell-Smith
Arstanda Billy White

ACCESSIBILITY FOR THE WAY WE ARE, NOW

ASL and Spanish Language Interpretation will be available.

There are no stairs to enter the NIAD building. The building is one level and does not have automatic doors. The sidewalk has curb cut-outs and is wide enough for a wheelchair. Our restrooms are accessible to people using mobility devices. We have a gender neutral restroom and an adult changing station. Mask-wearing is strongly encouraged. Public transportation and affordable on-demand ride services are available.

Send your access requests to gallery@niadart.org.