The curtains draw as music starts to play on the quiet stage, and a model appears in a stunning outfit, walking the length of the stage and posing as everyone cheers at their exciting attire.
Each year, the Arts Institute of Arcata High puts on a production called FLOW. This year it is the 18th annual event. Flow is the Arcata Arts Institute’s annual student-led fashion show. Over the semester, students design and create original garments, bringing their artistic visions to life. The showcase celebrates creativity, individuality, and the transformative process of turning ideas into wearable art.
There are thirteen designers this year: Piper Bjoikstedt, Liana Chin, Tatum Dick, Sasha Dronkers, Gabriella Gonzalez, Grace Humphreys, Toby Hurst, Siena Krause, Solana Mendle-Nickel, Stella Pepper, Zulay Perez, Twyla Sherman, and Malia Wolven. Each designer picks a theme and selects 4 to 6 people to model for them. Models can be people within the school or outside the school, oftentimes, this means the models include siblings, friends from other schools, and various age groups. Not only do the designers choose models, but they also select lighting and music to accompany their part of the showcase, further adding to the experience of this show.
Annie Liedstrand, the instructor and show director of FLOW, has been teaching the class for about 10 years. She describes this event as “a program that started about 15 years ago and is a semester-long curriculum about fashion design, and at the end of the semester, we put on a fashion show.”
One of the designers, Tatum Dick shared with us about her line “my line theme is like rave, fairy, festival wear, very eccentric, very extra kind of nature vibes.”
Along with Liedstrand, Johanna Mauro, the Arts Institute Director, plays a major role in directing the show.“ My favorite part is the day of FLOW, when we see the clothes on the runway. Everyone has their hair up, and they look fabulous. It always amazes me how diverse the show is. We have the most beautiful ball gowns to usually funky upcycled streetwear,” Mauro said.
A great aspect of flow is the variety of different styles that are displayed. It is a fabulous and unique way for students to express their creativity, and it is important that we have this fun event.
“It’s such an excellent way of seeing a variety of students’ creativity in action,” Mauro said.
Make sure to come and see the fashion show on May 17th! You can buy tickets here.