From January 16 to February 6, Conestoga Visual Merchandising Arts students will have pieces from their upcoming aWEARness runway performance on display at the Kitchener Public Library’s Queen Street location.
Sculptured costumes created by Conestoga’s Visual Merchandising Arts students will be on display at the Kitchener Public Library’s Queen Street location until February 6. The costumes will also be featured in Conestoga’s aWEARness runway show on March 4.
The collection at the library includes six of the sculptured costumes students were required to create as part of their final year projects. Each costume represents a designer or artist and each one is made entirely out of paper. The costumes and the runway show provide students with an opportunity to apply the skills they have learned in the classroom to stage and host a real-world event.
“We are thrilled to display the beautiful costumes and to showcase Conestoga College”, said Mary Chevreau, Kitchener Public Library’s chief executive officer. “We’ve received very positive comments about the display from staff and customers alike.”
This year students took inspiration for their costumes from designers like Oscar de la Renta and artists Vladimir Kush and Rachel Urista. The costumes, along with student biographies and concept boards, can be viewed during the library’s operating hours.
“We are so fortunate to have this opportunity to showcase our student talent at such a prime location as the Kitchener Public Library,” said Margie Hedges, coordinator of Conestoga’s Design programs. “To have six of our costumes displayed in the corner window, along with our name in lights on KPL’s digital display, is extremely exciting.”
Conestoga’s annual aWEARness runway performance is scheduled for Friday, March 4 at 7:00 p.m. at the Doon campus library. This year proceeds from the event will support the G. Magnotta Foundation for Lyme disease research. For information and tickets, contact Margie Hedges at 519-748-5220, ext. 2401.
The Visual Merchandising Arts program is a two-year project-based diploma program that provides students with the opportunity to develop design skills and knowledge in the areas of fashion and visual display. Conestoga is the only college to offer Visual Merchandising Arts graduates the opportunity to earn a second two-year diploma in Interior Decorating in just one year. For more information, visit the Visual Merchandising Arts website.