ArtBank to Host "Beyond Trend" Fashion Exhibit Opening

McCook, Neb.- ArtBank in McCook is buzzing with anticipation for tomorrow's opening of "Beyond Trend," a distinctive fashion exhibit. This unique display showcases handmade garments from 10 years of Creative Growth Art Center's renowned fashion shows. Curated by ArtBank Interns Asher Long, Fatima Rodriguez, and Isabelle Clause, the exhibit promises a vibrant celebration of artistic expression and inclusivity in the contemporary art world.

Creative Growth Art Center, located in Oakland, California, stands as the nation's oldest and largest arts organization dedicated to artists with disabilities. This includes individuals with autism, Down syndrome, developmental delays, and vision impairment. Their Beyond Trend fashion show is a signature annual celebration and fundraiser, bringing together a diverse array of exceptional artistic talents. The Beyond Trend fashion shows are leading cultural events in the San Francisco Bay Area, attracting visitors from across the country to see artists and professional models walk the runway.  ArtBank is proud to feature a selection of remarkable one-of-a-kind pieces gathered across a groundbreaking decade.

Curatorial Vision and Creative Solutions

Fatima Rodriguez, a Senior at McCook High School, has been involved with ArtBank since age 14 and shared her excitement about the curatorial process. "It's been really fun, and it kind of lets us experiment a lot," she explained. Rodriguez highlighted the creative problem-solving involved in setting up the exhibition, especially when facing challenges like a shortage of mannequins. She emphasized the inspiring impact of Creative Growth artists, particularly Dan Miller, an autistic artist who communicates profoundly through his art. "The way that he communicates and the way that he writes words on top of words… I think it's just a wonderful way of showing the world, 'Hey, it's me, and I can show you guys that I'm something.'"

Isabelle Clause, a recent McCook High School graduate who will begin college in the fall, also expressed her enthusiasm for the project. She described the challenges of sourcing mannequins and how the team overcame them creatively, including acquiring antique mannequins from a city auction and borrowing others from local businesses. Clause hopes the exhibit will encourage visitors to step out of their comfort zones. "It's not small-town McCook vibes, it's way different, and we need something like this," she stated.

Art as Wearable Expression

Chad Graff, a significant collector of Creative Growth art and driving force behind ArtBank, pointed out the functional aspect of the art on display. Many of the pieces have been worn by him, his partner Joann Falkenburg, and others, underscoring the idea that art can be both beautiful and wearable. "It's really cool because, yeah, I've seen him wear it, and I didn't even realize it was art," Clause commented, reflecting on seeing Graff wear pieces now featured in the exhibit.

The curators assembled fashion pieces to create mannequins with personality and then intentionally integrated them with existing artwork throughout ArtBank, offering visitors a cohesive and immersive experience. "We didn't put the fashion or the art pieces on pedestals, and we didn't put a spotlight on them. We sprinkled them throughout, kind of subtly," explained Clause. "I think that the artists who created these works would appreciate it, because we're portraying the mannequins as ordinary people, and the artists are ordinary people who make extraordinary art."

A Welcoming Cultural Event

"Beyond Trend" will open to the public tomorrow, Thursday, June 19th, 1 to 8 p.m., with a special reception starting at 5 p.m. to coincide with Third Thursday festivities.  ArtBank will also feature a documentary by filmmaker Cheryl Dunn to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Beyond Trend shows. ArtBank encourages everyone to visit and explore this unique collection, emphasizing it's a place where "everyone is accepted, no matter your race, religion, ethnicity, sexuality, anything, you're accepted here." The exhibit is set to be a significant cultural event for McCook, offering fresh perspectives on art and fashion.

Some photos courtesy of ArtBank