Showcasing the inspiration of students through historic fashion.

In the early part of 2020, Central Illinois high school students began to explore and draw inspiration from the Fashioning Illinois: 1820-1900 exhibition. They were given a sneak peek at the exhibit content. They thought about and interpreted the meaning of fashion by designing and constructing a work inspired by Fashioning Illinois.

Then COVID-19 arrived. The schools shutdown and students were sent home. Many students’ work remained in their classrooms. Some had just started, some were in the drawing stage, and some were ready to cut the fabric and begin construction. Only 2 students were able to continue because they were completing the project on their own instead of in a class. These pieces gave them something special to work on while they stayed at home.

We hope you will be inspired by the detail and creativity of these students. Their work is tied to their love of fashion. In a time of when we must be apart, art and creativity can tie us together.

This exhibit was made possible through a grant from the Community Foundation of Lincoln Land.