Art2Wear: Through the Archives

As part of this year’s celebration of the legacy and history of Art2Wear, the exhibition “Art2Wear: Through the Archives” at the Gregg Museum of Art and Design provides a unique opportunity to explore the history and evolution of Art2Wear. The main showcase of the lounge is the archival garments from past productions – physical looks that embody what Art2Wear stands for: creativity, boldness, and innovation. The pieces are works of art that capture the varying themes and inspirations during their times. By revisiting these garments, the lounge provides a space to reflect on the evolution of Art2Wear and appreciate the craftsmanship of the students at NC State. 

The space also includes a variety of archival materials, including photographs, sketches, newspaper clippings, and promotional posters from previous years. These artifacts provide a visual story of how Art2Wear has grown from its small beginnings to the large student production it is known for today. Visitors of the lounge can explore the evolution of style, themes, and production techniques, gaining a better understanding of how Art2Wear has continued to adapt throughout time. 

The Art2Wear lounge at the Gregg Museum of Art and Design is a celebration of the past, present, and future of the organization. Each archival image, design, or sketch demonstrates not only the designer’s vision but also the shared passion it took to bring these ideas to life. As you step into the lounge, let it transport you back into the early days of Art2Wear and guide you through its evolution. Each piece, from the garments to the images, tells a story of creativity and ambition – a journey that continues to inspire NC State students and designers to this day. 

Check out the lounge further on the Gregg Museum website.

Paper Projects

“Paper Projects” is an initiative hosted by the College of Design at NC State, showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship of design students. These projects, constructed primarily from paper-based materials, explore form, structure, and conceptual storytelling. By featuring these works, we aim to highlight the innovation of College of Design students while also acknowledging the legacy of Art2Wear and its deep connection to the college. As part of this recognition, postcards of these projects can be found in the Art2Wear section of the Archives Lounge at the Gregg Museum of Art & Design.

“Leaving a Legacy”

• Leaving a Legacy explores the richness of heritage and the lasting impact of family, emphasizing how the actions and choices of past generations shape individual identities. Legacy is not just about the past—it is an ongoing influence that molds personal and collective experiences in profound ways, often more than we realize.

Created by Grace Anderson and Carlos Bedon, this project stems from a shared passion for family values and their central role in shaping their communities. Despite differing backgrounds—one in industrial design and the other in architecture—the artists found common ground in the belief that family legacy is a vital yet often overlooked concept. Through thoughtful exploration and collaboration, “Leaving a Legacy” seeks to highlight the significance of this influence and encourage gratitude for the legacies inherited. By merging distinct perspectives and artistic approaches, the piece invites viewers to reflect on their own family histories and appreciate the enduring power of legacy.

“Ring Around the Rosie”

• Created by Megan Lee, Cailee Bennett, and Maddy Strudwick, Ring Around the Rosie explores the unity of girlhood through the abstraction of three distinct types of laughter. The interwoven laughter lines represent the harmony created when joy brings people together, particularly among women.

Wrapped in tracing paper, the wire takes on a soft, warm appearance—reminiscent of the warmth and familiarity of shared laughter. The movement of the piece, bending and bouncing, mirrors the natural flow of soundwaves, further emphasizing the organic, fluid nature of joy. Though the creation of Ring Around the Rosie was a challenge in both abstraction and execution, the process itself reflected its message. As the artists worked together, they bonded over shared experiences, stories, and laughter—the very essence of the piece. Despite its simplicity, the paper project conveys a clear and powerful message: while individuals may be separate and distinct, unity is found in shared joy and collective experiences. Just as the three laughter lines intertwine in the piece, Ring Around the Rosie serves as a call to embrace togetherness and celebrate the beauty of connection.

“Sensitivity to Stability”

• Created by Abby Mitchell and Annie Chang, Sensitivity to Stability emerged through an extensive process of collaboration and conceptual refinement. The project challenged the artists to work with unconventional materials in new ways, communicate deeper emotional themes through design, and explore the connection between emotions and art. By capturing distinct emotional states, this piece invites viewers to reflect on their own journey toward resilience and self-assurance, encouraging a deeper exploration of the emotional complexities that shape personal growth.

Sensitivity to Stability explores the emotional journey between reactivity and resilience, visually representing the contrast between instability and inner security. Inspired by the ways people respond to emotional stimuli, the piece illustrates two opposing states—one of heightened sensitivity and one of self-assured stability—while acknowledging the many stages in between. The first wearable, constructed with straws arranged in an erratic pattern, conveys emotional chaos, defensiveness, and volatility, reflecting a state of heightened sensitivity without a strong sense of grounding. In contrast, the second wearable takes the form of a cocoon-like structure made from paper mache, offering a space for the wearer to retreat into. While protective, the design leaves the face visible and incorporates delicate paper lace, symbolizing the balance between vulnerability and strength necessary for emotional stability. This piece highlights how openness and protection can coexist, showcasing balance as a source of resilience.

“Hostility”

• Created by Paz Doune-Bosch, Zoe Muti, Jocelyn Heustis, Hostility explores the dual nature of emotional defense mechanisms, visually representing the contrast between external aggression and internal vulnerability.

The outer shell of the piece is sharp, spiked, and intimidating—symbolizing the instinctive barriers people create when facing unfamiliar situations. In contrast, the hidden interior reveals a softer, more welcoming side, illustrating how hostility can often be a form of self-protection rather than genuine aggression. The movement of the piece reinforces this transformation; as the wearer extends their arms, the rigid, protective exterior opens to unveil the softer, intricate interior. This act mirrors the process of emotional openness—how, over time, individuals become more comfortable in new environments and reveal their true selves. While the creation of Hostility presented significant technical and conceptual challenges, it also provided an opportunity for deep exploration into the possibilities of paper manipulation. This project pushed the artists to experiment with structure, movement, and storytelling, ultimately expanding their understanding of wearable design and its ability to communicate complex emotions. Through material experimentation and conceptual refinement, Hostility serves as a reflection on human interaction, self-defense, and the gradual process of trust and openness.

“Passion’s Barrier”

• Passion’s Barrier, created by Sam Howard and Milo Ciccone, is an intricate exploration of the relationship between personal passion and human connection.

Constructed from Bond paper, tracer paper, metal brads, and hot glue, the piece takes the form of a geometric structure split into two halves, with a passage between them. The design forces two individuals to sit on opposite sides, preventing them from seeing or fully reaching each other, except for their outstretched hands meeting in the middle. This physical separation mirrors the emotional and intellectual barriers that can arise when people are deeply immersed in their passions. While their shared devotion to their craft or interest creates a bond, it simultaneously builds a divide—symbolizing the paradox of connection and isolation. The use of lightweight yet structured materials reinforces the delicate balance between these opposing forces, making Passion’s Barrier both visually striking and conceptually compelling.