A group of Ringling College of Art and Design students are combining their love of fashion and sustainable design with the production management and team leadership skills they are developing as Business of Art and Design majors.

Throughout the fall semester the students enrolled in a “Role of the Curator” course have been learning about all aspects related to the production of an art exhibition-from curation and installation to event planning and project management. The group put what they have been learning into action Sunday evening when they hosted a fashion show on campus.

Fresco was held on campus Dec. 4 from 5-7 pm. Students and community members attended the event on the lawn in front of the Arland and Sally Christ-Janer Center. 

Just as the sun set, 14 student models took to the runway wearing 15 different designs made by fellow students – exclusively from upcycled materials. Guests enjoyed live music, local food trucks, and a live silk-screening fundraiser. Guests had the opportunity to have an item of their choice printed with one of five different designs created by Ringling College students specifically for the event. 

“This event was extra special for us. It was about so much more than the class. It’s about students collaborating, communicating, and being resourceful,” said Tim Jaeger, who teaches the class and serves as the director and chief curator of Ringling College’s Galleries and Exhibitions. “It’s such a beautiful thing when all of the elements come together like this work in harmony. I couldn’t be more proud of our students.”

Senior Linda Liao, who is majoring in the Business of Art and Design, conceptualized and produced the show.

“Fresco is my passion project. I started it in my freshman year out of curiosity of what I could achieve at Ringling and iIt became my personal mission to bring students together to work toward a common goal and to provide new opportunities for students to showcase their talents while learning new skills,” said Liao. “As students studying the business aspect of the creative industry, we are looking at careers that position us to serve as the bridge between artists and the world.”

“Ringling’s Business of Art and Design program integrates the disciplines of design and business management,” said Kathleen Sobr, department head of the program. “We’re equipping our students, who have a passion for art and design, with the skills they need to become leaders in creative industries after graduation.”

The show was planned in collaboration with the Head to Toe exhibition currently on display in the Willis Smith Gallery in the  Larry R. Thompson Academic Center on campus. The exhibition, which closes Dec. 11, was also planned by the same group of students.

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