Art Academy of Cincinnati designers showcase fashions for HRC fundraiser

The Art Academy of Cincinnati is a private art and design college located in Over-the Rhine. They have partnered up with Human Rights Campaign Cincinnati for the Project Rainbow Fashion Show to be held on April 29, 2019.

HRC has over 3,000,000 members and is the leading LGBTQ civil rights group in the U.S. Students from Art Academy textile and graphic design will contribute to the event and fashion show aimed at all ages. The event will celebrate diversity, inclusivity, and all people. According to HRC Board of Governors members Pam Kravetz, and Jordan Young, the funds raised will "fuel the fight for complete LGBTQ+ equality."

Monica Choudhury will be co-chair and Kravetz who is also on the board of Art Academy, the event's emcee.

Kravetz said, "We started out wanting to rent space at the Art Academy to hold the fashion show and ended up creating an incredible community between the two organizations." It's about elevating, celebrating and supporting the missions of both organizations.

Art Academy faculty also echoed this sense of synergy. HRC was wonderful in allowing the garment students to have a great deal of creative freedom when designing their garments. The students were given themes and goals for the event at the beginning of the semester, and then allowed to dream and explore. The students have worked nonstop to perfect their looks. "Some of the students were novice sewers, and I am incredibly proud at how hard they have worked."

Art Academy of Cincinnati, founded more than 150 year ago, offers Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees and Master of Arts in Art Education as well as courses for continuing education. The Academy Design Services class, in addition to the textile students, also developed print ads, social media ads and programs for this fundraiser. According to Professor Steve Weinstein ADS classes give students real-world experience through working on actual projects for clients who adhere to strict deadlines.

He said: 'Our studio model for design allows students to work together and specialize in different areas, such as illustration, ideation and final design. This creates a realistic, immersive learning experience.' The students were able apply their creativity and skills to produce professional work.

This is the first year that students have designed their own designs.

HRC's Young stated that because we were able partner early in the term, the designs are the same ones the students use for college credit. The professors managed this project and were very involved in the process. They couldn't be more helpful. The HRC didn't give students feedback, but rather gave them something to strive for.

Students of the Art Academy also benefit from having their work displayed in public. The LGBTQ+ community has a strong connection to the arts. We have a diverse donor base, and we also reach a large number of people. Young stated that this is an opportunity for the students to meet with other art professionals in the city, which could lead to more connections. This event is unique and special because it caters to a younger audience.

The Art Academy can be found at 1212 Jackson St. The doors open at 6:30 pm and the show starts at 8 pm. Tickets for general admission start at $30. You can purchase them on HRC's page.