Metro Detroiters with developmental disabilities enter the fashion world

Fashion Friday and Wearable Art is the name of a new weekly program that began July 8 and is being held at CCS in Detroit, led by certified teaching artists.

Gesher Human Services (formerly JVS + Kadima), has partnered with the Detroit College of Creative Studies (CCS) to provide metro Detroiters with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to explore their artistic and fashion skills by designing clothing and accessories.

Fashion Friday and Wearable Art is the name of a new weekly program that began July 8 and is being held at CCS in Detroit, led by certified teaching artists. Classes focus on self-expression, and the joy of making and wearing something that expresses the participants’ fashion flare. At the end of the ninth week of the course, participants will participate in a fashion show to showcase their creations.

All participants are eligible to participate in a program offered by Gesher Human Services, where people with disabilities participate in enrichment activities to keep them active and engaged in the community. Gesher Human Services is a non-profit organization serving vulnerable communities, including those with disabilities and severe mental illness.

“We want to encourage creativity with a focus on fashion for our constituents, and partnering with professional artists at CCS gives us a wonderful opportunity to do just that,” said Craig Nowak, director of the multidisciplinary Creative Expressions program. Art Program at Gesher Human Services. “Designing clothes and accessories is a unique way to express your style and we know it gives our members confidence and pride while learning the skills of self-expression.”

Program parts include creating soft clothes (top and bottom) from fabric and paper. Creating fashion accessories from leather and paper such as bags, totes, hats, wristbands and jewellery; And making simple leather shoes.

Larry Lunsford, assistant director of education and outreach at the CCS Community Arts Partnership, said the program is reaching marginalized communities that may not have previously benefited from such arts education.

“We collaborate with our talented artists to create wearable works of art that individuals can actively wear and enjoy,” he said.

For more information about Creative Expressions, contact Craig Nowak at craign@kadimacenter.org. Provided by Gesher Human Services.