University Photography

Courtney Ward '08 poses before her exhibit, Jungle Gym, a wire bow house, she says, that "transforms chiffon, tulle, plastic toys, fun jewels and faux leather into a structure that simulates spontaneity, innocence and happiness." Ward is one of nine fiber art scholarship recipients from the Barbara L. Kuhlman Foundation Inc. Copyright © Cornell University

"Wearable" headphones and ear pads, dresses designed with the idea that "decoration may be transmittable," much like microbial infection, and a shoe design based on sea urchin shells are just three of the nine wearable art pieces now on display in the gallery on the first floor of Martha Van Rensselaer Hall until Sept. 29.

The creations represent the work of nine Cornell textile and apparel students who received fiber arts scholarships from the Barbara L. Kuhlman Foundation Inc., a new foundation dedicated to supporting student explorations in the field of fiber arts.

"Wearable art is more than strictly fiber arts," explains Anita Racine, a senior lecturer in the Department of Textiles and Apparel in the College of Human Ecology. "Wearable art is a category that is somewhere in between art and fashion design."

Kuhlman, a lifelong supporter of the fiber arts, achieved world-renowned status as a collector, lecturer and author in her field. The foundation continues her dedication to fiber arts and closely related fields with philanthropic sponsorships and grants.