From the Bible to the big bang and Hollywood, Cornell apparel design students are "demo-strutting" their wearable works of art in an exhibit in Gallery 1 of Martha Van Rensselaer, College of Human Ecology, through Sept. 28.

The exhibits includes two gowns that represent the biblical reading of Genesis, a dress based on the big bang and a permutation of the classic "red carpet" dress with "an under skin representing shards of mirror" to depict the "curse and underbelly of Hollywood." The creations represent the work of 12 Cornell apparel designers who received fiber arts scholarships from the Barbara L. Kuhlman Foundation Inc., which is supporting Cornell student explorations of the fiber arts for the second year in a row and will continue in 2008.

"A lot of foundations give money for the sciences but not many provide funding for the arts, so we are thrilled," says Anita Racine, a senior lecturer who, with colleague Assistant Professor Van Dyk Lewis in the Department of Fiber Science and Apparel Design, closely mentored and guided students through the design process.

Barbara Kuhlman, a lifelong supporter of the fiber arts, achieved world-renowned status as a collector, lecturer and author in her field. The foundation continues her dedication to fiber arts and closely related fields with philanthropic sponsorships and grants.