Ball State students and faculty are trying something new at Mitchell Place Gallery -- showcasing the art of clothing.
The new showcase titled "Form" will offer a representation of futuristic fashion design, sculpture and photography. It is now open at Mitchell Place Gallery, 301 S. Walnut St.
"These are one-of-a-kind designs," said Pamela Demarris, chairwoman of the downtown gallery. "These very specifically are meant to challenge the norm of what we view as fashion design."
Demarris said this "one-of-a-kind design" was a new concept in art exhibits and that she thought Muncie was on "the cutting edge" because of its efforts to try new approaches in art.
Some of the clothing set for display tries these new approaches, Valerie Birk, instructor in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences and featured artist in the exhibit, said.
Birk's piece, titled "The Dreamless Flying," will be on display, along with departmental colleague Paula Sampson's piece, "Imperial Jewels."
Seven students, ranging from sophomores to seniors will also have fashion design pieces in the display.
Both senior Sarah Knochel and junior Kim Adams will display ensembles containing corsets and unusual, diagonal and asymmetrical hemlines. Sophomore Trenton Bush's piece, titled "Metal Urging," is a black suit decorated with metal closures.
Sophomores Valerie Simmons and Sarie Miller both have designs featuring hand-beaded outfits with asymmetrical hemlines.
There will also be illustrations related to fashion design put together by junior Brian Slattery, who interned in New York and worked with fashion designer Michael Kors.
The exhibit will also feature photography and sculptures, put together mostly by Ball State students and faculty. Among the contributors to the sculpture displays is Associate Professor Bill Zack, and featured photographers are senior Stephen de Leon and junior Evah Hart.
Demarris stressed the importance of getting the community involved with the exhibit by having it located downtown.
"We're wanting to bring something to the community," Demarris said. She also said this was another way the students wanted to help bring the campus and the community together by bridging the gap.
According to Demarris, anyone interested in submitting work for future exhibits is more than welcome to do so. Entries are selected by a panel jury from various galleries in the area, and Mitchell Place Gallery has a new display every month.
In addition to the exhibit, there will be an opening reception from 5-8 p.m. tonight at the gallery, and refreshments will be available to those who attend.
Gallery hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays from noon to 5:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 7 p.m. and Sundays from noon until 4 p.m. The "Form" exhibit runs until Feb. 3 and admission is free.
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