The Richard Hunt Studio Center Transforms Clothing into Art in its Inaugural Program

Inaugural Program: Fashion as Sculpture 

The Richard Hunt Studio Center in Benton Harbor is pleased to launch its first multi-week program for youth. Fashion as Sculpture is an after-school program that provides hands-on training in fashion design, drawing upon the sculptural legacy of artist and studio benefactor Richard Hunt. Twelve-week sessions will run in the Fall, Winter, and Summer, with the first program beginning September 22, 2025. Students ages 13-17 from Benton Harbor and St. Joseph will participate twice weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. A program information meeting and orientation will be held on Wednesday, September 10, 3:00 to 5:00 pm at the Hunt Studio.

"I am happy to see Richard Hunt’s sculptural methods paired with fashion and design. His use of patterns and materials transcends the metal studio and will uniquely inform the young designers who have an interest in self expression. They will learn from local talent and gain skills that will last a lifetime." stated Tami Fauver, Executive Director & Chief Curator

"As the Richard Hunt Studio Center Coordinator, I am beyond thrilled to welcome the communities of Benton Harbor and St. Joseph to experience an exciting new wave of art that blends fashion and sculpture. Using both Richard Hunt’s legacy techniques and my own, we’ll explore the dynamic world of wearable art in bold and innovative ways." explained Vaughn Sims, Hunt Studio Coordinator.

Community Partners include the Benton Harbor High School, particularly Candace Caldwell and the Fashion Design program, St. Joseph High School, and Mosaic Resale Shop. Richard Hunt Studio Coordinator and New York Fashion Week Fashion Designer Vaughn Sims will lead the program. Additional instructors include Oalliyah Hornes and Louann Swanagan. In addition to classroom instructors, students will hear from special guests from Benton Harbor and St. Joseph area businesses, and will have the opportunity to collaborate with teens from Water Street Glassworks Fired Up! program and Krasl Art Center’s Teen Arts Council. Guardians are invited to a seasonal end-of-course fashion show and community gathering. 

"I’m always blown away by the creativity of our local youth, and I can’t wait to see how they interpret the forms of Richard Hunt’s sculptures into wearable art.  This program has potential to bring Benton Harbor and St. Joseph youth and families together in a unique and inspiring way." stated Nathan Margoni, Director of Education.

Program registration is now open! Click here to sign up. Registration is FREE, but participants MUST commit to attending 80% of scheduled dates.

For additional information, email nmargoni@krasl.org or attend the program orientation on Wednesday, September 10, 3:00 to 5:00 pm.

Fashion as Sculpture is generously supported by Frederick S. Upton Foundation. The foundation awarded Krasl Art Center a 1-year Big Idea grant that allows for the launch of this program designed to intentionally foster cross-community interaction among youth.