ArtServe recently welcomed guests to the vibrant opening reception of its newest exhibition, “Walk the Runway.” The free public event drew art lovers, fashion enthusiasts and community leaders for an evening celebrating sustainable design, self-expression and the diverse talent of South Florida’s fashion-forward creative community. The exhibition remains on view through September 19.
Supported by the Broward County Cultural Division, The Elizabeth Cotter Memorial Fund of the Community Foundation of Broward, Hudson Family Fund of the Community Foundation of Broward, and Topo Chico, “Walk the Runway” showcases original, one-of-a-kind wearable art, from hand-painted sneakers and avant-garde accessories to repurposed couture garments. Each piece reflects a powerful narrative about identity, culture, sustainability and style.
A highlight of the evening was the featured solo installation by artist and designer Chelsea Rousso, whose whimsical Alice in Wonderland-inspired collection captivated attendees with bold textures, playful storytelling, and a surreal twist on high fashion. Rousso’s work invites viewers to question the boundary between fantasy and function, proving that art can be worn as much as it can be admired.
Also featured in the exhibition is Shirley Huskey. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant beauty of the tropics, Huskey’s handcrafted garments blend traditional craftsmanship with modern digital printing, using eco-friendly, water-soluble inks and repurposed fabric scraps. Each piece is both a celebration of nature’s magic and a call for more mindful, intentional fashion practices.
Sara Schesser Bartra presented a striking conceptual work titled Gone with the Wind, which explores the microscopic journey of fungal spores through both painting and textile. Her swirling oil composition, mirrored in a matching garment, blurs the line between art and biology, inviting viewers to imagine themselves as both part of nature and a canvas for its unseen movements. Her work adds a deeply thoughtful, scientific layer to the exhibition’s narrative of transformation and storytelling through wearable art.
Guests also enjoyed a special presentation from Young At Art Museum’s 18th Annual Recycled Fashion Show, “Reef Restyled.” The teen-led project featured reef-inspired outfits crafted from at least 75% recycled or upcycled materials, designed by high school artists advocating for ocean conservation through fashion.
“The response to this exhibit has been incredible,” said ArtServe CEO Jason Hughes. “It’s inspiring to see how these artists use fashion as a medium for story-telling and change. We’re proud to provide a platform for both emerging and established designers who are shaping the creative fabric of our community.” Named a “Top-Rated Nonprofit” by Great Nonprofits, the leading provider of user reviews of charities and nonprofits, Fort Lauderdale-based ArtServe is an award-winning arts incubator advancing the arts for social good as a creative laboratory and hub for experimental artists committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Now in its 36th year, ArtServe has won multiple awards for innovation in the arts and is supported in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council and the Community Foundation of Broward. In 2025, ArtServe was named Non-Profit Organization of the Year: The Arts by 211 Broward. Each year, ArtServe helps 2,000+ artists sell their work, build businesses, and connect with the community through exhibitions, education, and events.