Multi-week residency begins Sept. 29, culminates Oct. 21 with unveiling of new panel to AIDS Memorial Quilt
Distinguished fashion designer Korto Momolu will visit the University of Central Arkansas for a multi-week residency from Sept. 29 to Oct. 21 with an event schedule that includes instructive workshops and the unveiling of a new panel to “The AIDS Memorial Quilt”.
The residency will feature a series of student-focused workshops between Sept. 29 and Oct. 8, where Momolu will work with classes in McAlister Hall. On Tuesday, Oct. 21, the university will host an opening reception and remembrance tribute for “The AIDS Memorial Quilt” where a new quilt panel crafted by Momolu will be revealed. The event will take place at 1:40 p.m. in the Reynolds Performance Hall lobby.
“Korto Momolu inspires everyone she encounters,” Rebekah Luong, a clinical instructor and interim chair of UCA’s Department of Nutrition and Family Sciences, said. “You don’t have to be an artist to appreciate her work.
“The attention to detail and the story she tells through her designs complement her spoken words. I’m grateful to have her back at UCA this fall to work on our campus and collaborate with students! This is such a unique opportunity to tell a story through this project. I know she deeply cares about this type of work and the story she is able to tell for those who can’t tell their own.”
Originally from Liberia, Momolu is internationally recognized for her innovative, body-inclusive designs. Her work integrates traditional African aesthetics with contemporary fashion, resulting in collections that are both culturally rich and visually compelling. Known for her use of bold colors, dynamic patterns and artisanal craftsmanship, Momolu brings a refined bohemian sensibility to modern design. She rose to prominence as a finalist on Bravo’s “Project Runway” season 5 and returned for two seasons of “Project Runway All Stars,” further establishing her place in the fashion industry. Her designs have been featured at New York Fashion Week and on global platforms, earning acclaim for their originality and cultural resonance.
The full schedule for Momolu’s residency is as follows:
Monday, Sept. 29
- 9-11:50 a.m. – Student Event: Work with Beginning Interior & Apparel Construction Class (FACS 1370), McAlister 311.
Tuesday, Sept. 30 - 8-10:40 a.m. – Student Event: Work with Beginning Interior & Apparel Construction Class (FACS 1370), McAlister 311.
- 11:50 a.m.-1:30 p.m. – Student Event: Work with Business of Embroidery & Textiles Class (FACS 3359), McAlister 311.
Wednesday, Oct. 1
- 11 a.m.-1:50 p.m. – Student Event: Work with Advanced Interior & Apparel Construction Class (FACS 3361), McAlister 311.
Monday, Oct. 6
- 9-11:50 a.m. – Student Event: Work with Beginning Interior & Apparel Construction Class (FACS 1370), McAlister 311.
Tuesday, Oct. 7
- 8-10:40 a.m. – Student Event: Work with Beginning Interior & Apparel Construction Class (FACS 1370), McAlister 311.
- 11:50 a.m.-1:30 p.m. – Student Event: Work with Business of Embroidery & Textiles Class (FACS 3359), McAlister 311.
Wednesday, Oct. 8
- 11 a.m.-1:50 p.m. – Student Event: Work with Advanced Interior & Apparel Construction Class (FACS 3361), McAlister 311.
Tuesday, Oct. 21
- 1:40-3 p.m. – Public Event: The AIDS Memorial Quilt Opening Reception and Remembrance Tribute with Unveiling of New Quilt Panel by Korto Momolu, Reynolds Performance Hall lobby, 223 Beatrice Powell Street, Conway.
More information about Korto Momolu is available at kortomomolu.com. More information about the residency is available by contacting Professor Rebekah Luong at rlindsey@uca.edu.
The UCA Artists in Residence program is funded by the Fine and Performing Arts Fee paid by all students, with additional support from Engage Management and Pyramid Art, Books, and Custom Framing. More information about the Artists in Residence program is available at uca.edu/go/artistsinresidence or by contacting Dr. Gayle Seymour, associate dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at gayles@uca.edu.