Gallery & Exhibition

Why Exhibit?

Sharing the work of MakeFashion Edu designers is paramount to the process. Young designers need the opportunity to tell their stories through their designs to a public audience. This encourages and motivates these designers to improve and adjust their work.

When young people see that others are interested in what they have created and want to know more about the process, the designers develop confidence and are willing to persist through obstacles in order to make their pieces better. This willingness to do more transfers to other aspects of their lives. As students talk to people about what they learned, what inspired them, and why their story is important, they gain a sense of empowerment and their communication skills improve.

Exhibitions are celebrations of success!

Note: Early in 2020, as the pandemic continued, we explored novel methods of exhibiting and collaborating — including virtual exhibitions shared with parents and relatives across the country.

What to Exhibit?

The process is as important as the product in MakeFashion Edu. For this reason we encourage displaying:

• Design sketches
• Photos of work in progress
• The final fashion tech piece

Each display should contain:

• Names and ages of design team
• Name of the model
• Information about the materials and technology used
• The story that the piece represents
• A photo of the finished product (if the piece is not being modeled at the event)

Optional additions:

• Quotes from designers about what they learned or difficulties overcome
• The “academic” side — explaining the math, science, research, or other skills used in the creative process

How to Exhibit

Think of how an art gallery displays the work of artists.

We discourage: Setting up long tables with posters arranged side by side “science fair style.”

We recommend:

• Uniform design guidelines for posters/trifolds/artist statements — keeps the gallery looking clean and professional
• Ample room between displays so the audience can move comfortably
• Text that is easy to read; displays that are easy to view

Designers and models should be ready to:

• Answer questions
• Explain their learning process
• Share their stories

This will require practice beforehand!

Where to Exhibit?

Consider:

• How many displays will there be?
• Is the Gallery a one-time event or a temporary exhibit?
• Will designers and/or models be with the display?
• Will displays be 2-dimensional (hung on walls) or do tables need to be set up?
• How will actual pieces be displayed and protected?
• How will traffic flow around the displays?
• What type of lighting is available? (Keep in mind that the tech on many pieces involves lights)

Possible locations:

• School cafeteria
• Library
• Classroom
• Hallway
• Community spaces
• Virtual/online gallery