The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Fashion show serves as fundraiser for arts council
The Lorain Arts Council raised money to support their many community-supportive projects by hosting a fashion show here in Lorain.
The Lorain Arts Council Fashion Fundraiser was held at Black River Landing, April 14, and featured models from the Cleveland area through Cleveland modeling company Project Models, modeling designs from local dressmakers and jewelry designers.
“The theme is together we rise, because it represents what we are all about at the Lorain Arts Council,” said Antonio Barrios, the president of the Lorain Arts Council. “This is the eighth year we have held the fashion show and it serves as a huge fundraiser for us.”
Barrios said the theme is meant to bring everyone in the community together.
“We can do almost anything if we are all working together and lifting each other up,” he said. “That is the arts council’s message. It’s not a political message, but a communal one. I feel it is evident with all the people that contributed
tonight. They are all from the area and created something great tonight.”
Barrios said the fashion show is great for young
women.
“It falls inline with the women’s movement,” he said. “It is very empowering for them and it opens
doors. You see a lot of famous people who became famous through modelling and it paved the way for them to do great things in
their communities. That’s what we want for the young women in our community.”
Barrios said he is thankful for what the fundraiser allows the arts council to do.
“We use art to make our community a better place,” he said. “We hold different classes to teach art and help showcase the local talent that we have.”
Barrios said a current project for the council has been art classes for veterans.
“It has been a great release from the stress a military background can have,” he said. “We have taught them certain techniques and styles. They’ve really enjoyed it, and it all culminates in a creation of a mural behind our building, at 737 Broadway. The mural will be entirely their own, and I’m very proud of how well the process has gone.”
The event featured a lot of dresses and jewelry being displayed, but it also served as the official crowning of Naomi Vega, 20, of Cleveland, as Miss Ohio North America for 2018.
“My family came here from Puerto Rico with nothing, and I have come a long way,” she said. “I’m thankful for this opportunity that being Miss Ohio provides. I love giving back to my community and am thankful for all who have supported me.”