Capital City Arts Initiative [CCAI]
CCAI Downtown! Gallery
P.O. Box 1333
Carson City, Nevada 89702


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 5, 2007

Capital City Arts Initiative PRESS RELEASE

"Radical Fashion Design Studio at CCAI Downtown!"

[Photo Editors Please Note: Scroll Down for Photography]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

"Radical Fashion Design Studio at CCAI Downtown!"

The Capital City Arts Initiative's new project "Radical Fashion Design Studio," will be featured at "CCAI Downtown," the arts organization's new temporary gallery space at the northeast corner of Curry and Third Streets in Carson City. The project will feature a series of three workshops on Saturdays July 21, 28 and August 4 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

July 31 revision: due to the popularity of the studios, additional informal workshops and work sessions are scheduled for Saturdays August 11, 18, and 25, with the anticipation of additional sessions in September.

The studio and workshops are part of Radical Fashion, a suite of four projects focusing on the emerging intersection of art and fashion. "Clothes are our second skin," comments CCAI Assistant Program Director Christina Bruce. "It's only fitting that contemporary artists bring their creativity to this rich area of cultural expression."

The hands-on DIY workshops, suitable for all levels, will introduce participants to the possibilities of one-off, designed and altered clothing. There is no fee and materials will be provided. Pre-regististration is encouraged but not required. Workshop leaders are CCAI's Christina Bruce, and Radical Fashion artists Claire Ponn and Kodi Fujii .

Participants can pre-register by emailing Christina at christinabruce19@gmail.com or calling 775.721-7936.

Artist Christina Bruce joined the CCAI staff in May. She graduated with a BA in Art from Sierra Nevada College in 2005. Her work has been included in a number of local exhibitions

Claire Ponn is a Nevada native heavily influenced by fashion, photography, music and travel. Her interest in fashion led to the creation of "Siren Soles," a custom footwear enterprise, and a line of jewelry. In August she will receive a dual degree from UNR in Advertising and Art History.

Kodi Fujii graduated in 2006 from Douglas High School in Gardnerville. She creates one of a kind clothes, purses, and accessories. Ms. Fujii comments: "I try to make things you can't get anywhere else, things with bright colors and fresh ideas. Things so versatile you can wear them to the beach, out on the town or in a moshpit."

In addition to her budding carreer in fashion, she works at West Coast Martial Arts in Minden. [Ms. Fujii tested for her Black Belt in Mixed Martial Arts at the age of 16.]

The gallery is open Saturdays from one to five p.m. and by appointment. Visitors are cordially invited to drop by to observe and participate in the workshops.

Ms. Ponn and Ms. Fujii's work will also be featured in CCAI's fall exhibition "Radical Fashion" at Classy Seconds, Carson City's thrift store benefitting Advocates to End Domestic Violence, a local non-profit social service agency that provides a wide variety of services designed to protect and support battered women and their children.


The Capital City Arts Initiative is an artist-centered organization committed to the encouragement and support of artists and the arts and culture of Carson City and the surrounding region through community building and public programs. Its activities include contemporary art exhibitions, live events and arts education programs for the area’s diverse adult and youth populations.

CCAI is funded by the Carson City Redevelopment Authority; the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts; The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts; the James W. Calhoun Foundation; U.S. Bancorp Foundation; Gayle Crowell; Coldwell Banker Best Sellers; Carson High School; UNR Art Department; Carson City Library; Nevada Hispanic Services-Carson City; CCAI's Board of Directors; BrAG, CCAI's 'Brilliant Advisory Group'; CCAI's Business Leaders; and CCAI's growing membership.

CCAI extends special thanks to Joe McCarthy; Steele & Associates, CPAs; the Dan Leck Family; Jenny Lopiccolo; Classy Seconds & Advocates to End Domestic Violence; the Rehm Family; Westside Ink Bookstore; Carson City Courthouse; Dr. Kim Bean, Dr. Jeffrey Bean; Vital Signs; Carson Shopping Center; Capital City Entertainment; Genoa Lakes Golf Club & Resort; Rick Sikes, Nevada Green; Carson Harley-Davidson Buell Dealership; David Ruf, Greenhouse Garden Center; Western Nevada College; and Simpson Creative.

For additional information visit CCAI’s website at www.arts-initiative.org.

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caption: Christine Bruce, July 21 Presenter
Radical Fashion Design Studio Workshop
at "CCAI Downtown!"



caption: Claire Ponn, July 28 Presenter
Radical Fashion Design Studio Workshop
"CCAI Downtown!"

caption: Kodi Fujii , August 4 Presenter
Radical Fashion Design Studio Workshop
"CCAI Downtown!"

revised: 073107 18:15 PDT [gmt - 08:00]