T O NINE S

Studentslearnfromtheirmothersand grandmothers

Mothers and grandmothers who loved designing passed down buttons,fabrics,needles, sewing machines and a love of fashion to their daughters. These students were influenced by the generations before them to use their creativity and design clothing

Senior Michelle Otto learned how to sew from her mother "Iremember my mo m placing bricks or phone books under the pedal so my sisters and I could reach it," Otto said "Under my mom's supervision, I sewed my first garment by myself when I was eight or nine."

Otto had made dresses,skirts, pillows,quilts, wall hangings and much more. Her experience helped her land a job as a sewing lab assistant for the Family and Consumer Science Department

"Being able to sew has been such a blessing," Otto said "The best part iswhen you see the garment coming together, and it fits like it should Itisfun to watch it evolve from a piece of fabric to a garment."

Senior Hannah Swanson found inspiration for her designs from her grandmother Swanson designed three dresses for last year's fashion show from vintage material her grandmother had stored away in her closet,dating allthe way back to the 50's and 60's

"My grandmother bought me my first sewing box, my first button jar, and she later bought a carrying case for my sewing machine," Swanson said "Through all of this and her encouragement, Iwould definitely say that she has been a huge part of my sewing passion and has given me confidence to try designing."

FACS Professor Matalie Howard received inspiration from her family as well "At the age of eight,my mo m turned me loose on the sewing machine," Howard said."Under her and my grandmother's watchful eye, Ibegan my first sewing project,a blue and white gingham checked drawstring tote-bag and matching head scarf."

That was the start of Howard's passion for design and sewing "Iloved what they created and wanted to learn to do the same," Howard said Howard's passion grew over the years Having graduated with her undergrad in1985 from our school, she retured as a professor after completing a masters from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro

These women had a passion handed down from the generations of women before them, a family tradition "Because my parents,my mo m in particular,had a love for things likecrafts and sewing,that passion and excitement was modeled and rubbed off on me," Otto said."Whenever I sew itreminds me of my mo m and it provides a connection between us even though we are thousands of miles apart."

The FACS departmentfacilitated and organized triptoNew YorkCity duringthefall semester, providingthe opportunityforstudentstobeinspired and toexperiencewhat therealfashion industrywas all about Theitinerary included:

-TourofTommy Hilfiger'soffices, showroom and clothesbysisterBetsy Hilfiger

-Martha Stewart Show

As acontestant inthe Miss America program, SeniorSarah Lee Fitzpatrick, participated in fundraising forthe Children'sMiracleNetwork Herlove ofsewing and desiretoprovide in atangibleway resulted in the development of"HelpingHandbags."

SinceAugust 2008 shehelpedraise over$1,000fortheorganization

Pursemaking inherown words:

"It all startswith thedesignofthe bag - figuringoutthemain purpose, drawing/mapping it out, deciding what featuresit willhave, etc. Then comes thefabricselectionwhich cantake anywhere from 10minutestoanhour I alsomake about 90 percentofthem from scratch(notusinga pattern), so I would estimatethatdepending on the handbag thatittakesabout 1-3hours tomake one.Once finished, I test its durability. I alsomake suretoiron it sothatit is wrinklefreeand in perfect condition I alsomake otherthings like diaperbags, aprons, camera strapslip covers, sunny cozies,etc My sister and I arealsoin theprocessofopening an EtsyShop [placetosellhandmade items] together."

-Advertisementchallengefrom fashionphotographer DorothyShi

-Working on a Lanvinbridal photoshoot

-Essence Magazineoffices

-Women's Wear Daily[WWD] fashionpublication headquarters

-Metropolitan Museum ofArt

-Boat ridetoEllis Island

-Shrek theMusical i.SeniorKelleyWelchadjuststhecoatonthe mannequin,tryingtoputtogethertheperfectoutfit. Studentsspentagoodamountoftimeandcreative energyinshowingtheirfashion,"I loveurbanstreet styleswithlotsofcolorsandIam knowntorockNike kicks,"BekahMoye,sophomore,said "However,forday todayfashioninspirationI loveMischaBarton'sunique anddaringtakeonclothingandaccessories."

"Thistrip was all I expected ittobe and more,"TaylorBuckley,sophomore, said "We receivedalot ofgreatadvice in termsofobtaining both internships and careersin thefashionindustryfor ourfuture."

JuniorAliciaAllenwalksthehallwayonthesecond floorofDeMossbetweenclasses.Shewasproudofthe outfitshehadeffortlesslyassembledthatday."Usually I justtrytowearbasicstuffandthenthrowinsomething crazy,"Allensaid "I'dcall iturbanchic."

Senior Jessica Alexander uses the main stacks at the libraryasherown runwaytodisplayheruniquesense offashion.Studentsatschoollefttheirownfashion statementsastheyeitherfollowedtrendsorusedtheir owncreativity."MyoutfitssaythatIcanbefashionably cute,whileexudingconfidenceandprideinmy senseof styleandfashion,"Alexandersaid "Ienjoythefreedom ofmixingcolors,incorporatingtheideasofothers,and takingrisksbystandingout."

SeniorOliverSherretpracticeshisfashion photographybytakingapicture offreshmanLauren Longenecker.Thispictureresembledsomethingareader mightseeonafashionmagazine."! enjoyreadingfashion magazinesandfromtheregettingideastocompliment my style,"SherylynCrow,senior,said "Ilikethehippie grunge,laidbackstylesoI branchofffromthere."

Wrapped in her double-breasted trench coat, senior LesleyVannoy sportsadressshedesignedandcrafted herself.Studentscouldtakeclassestolearnhow tocreate theirown clothing "I'mreallythankfulformy sewingclass andIam excitedtoapplyittoreal life,"saidTaraEdwards, senior "Hopfulllyinthefuture Icanusemy creativity in thisfieldtohelpothers."

"Van Gogh has always been an inspiration tome. AsakidI used tolook through hispaintings and triedto draw sunflowers like his Asa comic book artist my main inspiration isTiteKubo. Hisstyleisvery detailed,bold, and holds more realijfcan a character I admire how he can portray his characters with somuch emotion thathe draws thereadersin."

-Amy Marquez, SO "My favorite artistisPaul Cezanne.'Un coinde table'is thebest painting by him because lovestill life lisartpieceis anoilpainting ofatable and fruit, which looks realistic. It's amazing."

-Lindsay Foley, SO

"Yoji Shinkawa [Japanese artist who created artwork forthe video game series'Metal Gear Solid'] has acouple pieces thatI regularly lookat. He'sgot a really awesome traditionally based style, using lotsof calligraphic brushes which produces powerful, imagination amd spurring artwork. Any one ofhis illustrations depicting the titular Metal Geartankis awe-inspiring tome.Itteases theviewer as a technical drawing, and yet has impressionistic flaresofpaint and inkstrokes thatgiveit an ethereal atmosphere It pulls together themachine and theideainto one piece He doesa seriesofthese."

-Scot HalbachJR orandstudioartmajorRachelKazinteractswithherpriorinspirationthatledtothecolorfuldigital trationpictured Kazbased her artwoi^BkPiperPoint presentationshemade forasermon about JBnatureheldatBrentwood Church "ArlMon campusaretakingthenextstepinshowing theworldtheir pinationindifferentmediumswithouthaRation,"EliannaCarazquillo,senior,said "Thattakescourage, yaseyouhavetodisplayyourmind'sportraittobejudgedbeforebeingappreciated." Attheseniorart w,LauraFeaganstandsproudlyinfrontofherwork. ThepaintingwasareplicationofVan Gogh's TerraceatNight'whichshehad done inacrylics."It'salwaysablasttomergetechniquesofthe Bfcterswithyourown creativeideas,"Feagansaid "Youcanreallybegintoappreciateothers'paintings more onceyoustartputtingdown everylayerofcolorjustliketheydid." TheartpiecetitledTuesday' proudlydisplaysseniorJaelSchultz'sartisticskills ShecreatedthisselfportraitinpencilfortheArtShow "Ithinkwe havealotoftalentatthisschoolasfarasphotography and paintinggoes,"Abby Armbruster,junior, said "Thevisualcommunication galleriesarealwaysinspiringand thephotography capturesamazingbeauty."

Worshipmajorand sophomoreJames Bock gazesattheartworkduringanartshow. Studentswereabletodisplaytheirworksaround Lynchburg, includingourcampus "When Ilookat theartliningthehallsonNorthCampus Iam so impressedbytheartist'screativity."ErinLogan lunior said "I feellikeIcanseethebeautyof creationintheirwork,and theyhavealot oftalent."

Senior hockey player Joshua Tucker slammed his opponent against the glass, juniorfootball player Tim Smith knocked his adversary to the ground and sophomore basketball player Danika Dale fought to pulldown the rebound These athletes not only excelled intheir sport,but in their creative side as well. They chose to major and pursue a career in art

The 265 pound defensive end Tim Smith,turned heads with hischosen academic major."I likethe reactions Iget from people when Itellthem that I am a Visual Communication Art major,"Smith said."I'm such a big guy,and if you never met me you would have never thought that I was into art."

Smith was not the only sports player pursuing art. The 6-foot guard from the women's basketball team, Danika Dale,shared her artistic side "I likebeing able to be creative,"Dale said "You kind of have to do the same thing on the court Design and basketball are both an artform."

Joshua Tucker, forward on the Division Ihockey team,also developed a passion for art. According to Tucker,he was intrigued by the designs on the skateboards and surfboards he saw regularly This curiosity led him to pursue a Graphic Design major "Graphic Design is long-term for me," Tucker said "I would like to teach it either ata high school or university level, while freelancing on the side."

These sports players balanced practice,games and theirdesign homework They made it work in order to pursue what they loved.

"I got my talents from God," Smith said "Ihave been blessed to make it thisfar, and God is the source ofall of my strength."