Gustafson Gallery Hosts Champions by Design Exhibit

Colorado State University’s Department of Design and Merchandising is recognizing 26 young Coloradans by featuring their work in the fourth annual Champions by Design exhibit through Oct. 25.

The exhibit will feature the original clothing designs of Colorado 4-H members who range in age from 9 to 18. Each item on display received a blue ribbon at the 2002 Colorado State Fair and was within the top 10 items in its respective class.

"This exhibit is fun and it gives students and community members a chance to learn about the design and merchandising program," said Sue Cummings, Colorado State University Cooperative Extension specialist. Cummings added that the exhibit is a good way to feature the diversity of the design and merchandising program. Members of the 4-H program get a chance to share their accomplishments in a new and different venue. It gives them a chance to incorporate the skills they learn in 4-H with design. Many of the selections are unique combinations of fabric, original sewn clothing or embellished items.

The items were selected by a panel of Colorado State Cooperative Extension agents and a volunteer, all of whom served as State Fair judges or superintendents. Out of about 500 entries, the clothing chosen for the exhibit was selected based on creative and interesting use of design elements and individual innovation that goes beyond following patterned instructions.

The Gustafson gallery is located in room 145 Gifford Building and is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.