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March 17, 2025
The Governor’s School for the Arts Wearable Arts Show Returns to the Chrysler Museum for its 11th Year
NORFOLK, Va., March 17, 2024–The Chrysler Museum of Art and the Governor’s School for the Arts (GSA) proudly present the 11th annual Wearable Arts Show, a one-of-a-kind runway event celebrating the innovation and ingenuity of more than 50 students at One Memorial Pl, Norfolk on March 21, 2025, from 6 to 9 p.m. Inspired by Chrysler Museum’s permanent collection and temporary exhibitions, this long-standing collaboration encourages young artists to use museums as sources of inspiration and artistic growth.
“The Wearable Arts Fashion Show is an event that our GSA community looks forward to each year,” said Shelly Cihak, Ed.D., GSA Executive Director. “Whether it is a GSA student participating in the fashion show or a young person in the audience who gets inspired to pursue art, this event truly changes lives. We are so thankful for the partnership with the Chrysler Museum that makes this event possible,” Cihak added.
Each year, this highly anticipated event is the culmination of months of hard work. Students will find inspiration, sketch designs, and construct runway-ready looks. The 2025 theme, “Layers,” invites students to explore the colors, texture, and meaning in current exhibitions Oaxaca Central: Contemporary Mexican Printmaking and Joyce J. Scott: Messages.
“The evolution of the GSA Wearable Arts Show at the Chrysler Museum has been an incredible process to witness. The students’ growth in creativity and craftsmanship is a testament to this partnership,” said Liana Courts, GSA Chair of Visual Arts Department. “Giving our students this unique opportunity encourages them to rise to the challenge with their resourcefulness and vision. We are thrilled to celebrate the 11th year of fun and fashion,” Courts added.
Each runway look will be displayed in the exhibition, If the Choux ‘Fits, in the Margaret Shepherd Ray Family and Student Gallery from March 27–April 27, 2025. In addition to the Wearable Arts pieces, GSA visual arts students submitted two-dimensional works, which will be on display from March 11–April 27, 2025, showcasing the range of artistic talent fostered by this program.
“I will be going on to study fashion design in college next year. Over the past four years, my process has evolved from altering ready-made wear to creating my own original pieces,” says GSA student Raven Hunter. “Participating in the fashion show has given me a chance to bring my ideas to life!”
A distinguished panel of judges–including makeup artist, stylist, and influencer Kim Wadsworth; art lover and co-owner for Decorum Furniture Robert Roman; and Luis Vilches–will select the top three designs for special recognition. Accompanied by the GSA Jazz Band, the event offers a high-energy evening celebrating the next generation of artists and designers. This event is free and open to the public. Food and drink will be available for purchase. All ages welcome.
ABOUT THE CHRYSLER MUSEUM OF ART
The Chrysler Museum of Art brings art and people together through experiences that delight, inform, and inspire. Internationally recognized for its collection of more than 35,000 objects, including one the largest glass collections in America, the Museum also includes free admission, the state-of-the-art Perry Glass Studio, a full-service restaurant, shop, theater, works on paper space, and oversees the historic Myers House. The Museum boasts an ambitious schedule of exhibitions, events, and programs, and has been nationally recognized for its commitment to inclusion through its innovative gallery host program. For more information, visit chrysler.org. Follow on social media @ChryslerMuseum to receive the latest updates.
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