BETHLEHEM, Pa — The stunning gowns, part of a new exhibition, appear as if they are made of satin or charmeuse.
Look closely and it's noticeable that four of the designs, created by students at Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts — were made by using paper.
The costume designs are part of a new "Industrial Chic" exhibition, for which there will be a free reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 2, at the school's Corpora Gallery, 321 E. Third St.
The event is among 12 events that are part of Southside Arts District's First Fridays celebration.
The students' work is among the curriculum taught within Charter Arts' production arts department.
"The department encompasses everything that happens behind the scenes for technical theater, film and live events," Charter Arts Artistic Director Carlos Acerra says in a promotional video.
"When our underclassmen come in, they take courses in a bunch of different areas of production, and then once they go into their upperclassmen years, they go into one of three tracks.
"We have our set and lighting track where students learn how to design and build the sets that are used for the school productions.
"And costuming tracks where students learn how to design and build the costume pieces that get used in our productions each year.
"And the audio and video track where they learn how to mix sound, run cameras for the productions at school, and short film projects throughout the year."
First Fridays
Toward the end of every school year, the students get an evening to present their work to the public, which also serves as a portfolio review event.
For the "Industrial Chic" exhibition, they were instructed by faculty to create industrial-style pieces with more feminine elements, essentially creating a look that is part metal/part chic.
More than 15 designs — including four of the paper dresses — will be on display.
"Industrial Chic" will be on display through May 16.Southside Bethlehem Arts District First Friday
"Industrial Chic" will be on display through May 16.
After Friday's reception, an appointment to view the exhibit can be made by calling the school at 610-868-2971.
First Fridays
Other First Fridays activities will include a book-signing and meet-and-greet with Easton-based podcaster and writer Bill Childs from 5 to 7 p.m. in the National Museum of Industrial History, 602 E. Second Ave.
Childs, host of the "AdYack" podcast, will discuss his book, "Childs Play," which offers marketing and advertising tips.
At Five Maidens Cider Co., indie band Dear Anna will perform at a release party for "Fix Your Mess!" with craft cider specials at 6:30 p.m. at 327 Polk St.
Also, Island Time Lite will perform from 7 to 10 p.m. at ArtsQuest Center, 101 Founders Way.
There will be a free watercolor painting class with Rachel Cavotta and a pop-up art market featuring handmade goods by four local creatives.
At Lehigh University's main and lower galleries, there will be a free ASL social meetup for those wanting to learn sign language (arrive early to learn the basic etiquette for ASL).
Visit the University's website to register.
The class will occur from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at 420 E. Packer Ave.
The next First Fridays in Bethlehem will be June 6.
For a complete list of May's First Fridays events, visit the website.
