Community School of Music and Art (CSMA)

Located at 330 East State Street, Ithaca, NY 14850

For more information please go to csma-ithaca.org

(Main Gallery and Lower Gallery)

A Showcase of IHS Student Fashion Design: Wearable Expressions Gala

This wearable art exhibition is a celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and personal expression through the lens of fashion. The pieces on display have been entirely conceptualized and constructed by students from the IHS, grades 9 through 12. These works represent weeks of dedication, exploration, and skill-building, reflecting both individual voices and shared classroom experiences.

Students in the program arrive with varying levels of experience. Some bring prior knowledge of sewing or design, while others are new to the world of fashion. Together, they explore not only the fundamentals of design and construction but also the broader social and cultural impact of clothing. Class discussions address the environmental and ethical implications of fast fashion, the influence of technology on the industry, and how garments can reflect or challenge ideas around gender, body image, cultural appropriation, and economic status. Students are also encouraged to explore what it means to be truly original in their designs.

This show is more than an exhibition; it is a testament to the transformative power of art education and a platform for young artists to share their talents with our community. Students can further their studies with the CSMA that has given students such a professional experience to share their work. Thank you for supporting the next generation of designers and creative thinkers.