Every dress, coat or cloak has a unique story to tell, whether revealing details about the maker, providing information about the historical context or teaching us about the person who wore it. Through fashion, the narratives shared in this exhibition come alive. The engaging display takes the viewer on a journey through time, inviting them to experience women’s lives at home and in their communities and capturing historical moments that showcase the African American female experience and acknowledge their resilience, strength, bravery, courage, and unapologetic spirit for change. The exhibition is presented in collaboration with the San Diego African American Museum of Fine Art. Join us for the Curator talk from 12:45 to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.
Join us
Exhibit on view August 25 - October 16, 2025
- Curator Talk with Kenneth Green: Wednesday, September 10, 2025, 12:45 - 2 PM, Art Gallery, FA 103
- Closing reception: Wednesday, October 15, 4 to 7 p.m.
- Free Parking in Lot #1 STAFF spaces ONLY. Event Nights ONLY.
- Free and open to the public
Clothes Story invites guests to connect and reminisce as they experience the evolution of women’s clothing through the perspective of a fashion enthusiast. One might encounter the voluminous petticoat filled skirts and somber colors of the Late Victorian era contrasted with the body-hugging dresses of the 40s glamour decade. Meanwhile the sequined flapper cloaks and tunics resonate with the 60s patterned miniskirts, both a nod to women’s agency and liberation. Designed lovingly and with a desire for accuracy, each section was developed with insights from local historians, archivists, fashion designers and tailors. This empowering walk-through time invites guests of all ages to learn, reflect and discuss. Originating in Atlanta, Georgia, the exhibit has traveled to various locations in the South, and it makes its first appearance in the West Coast.
Kenneth Green, originally from San Bernardino, California, graduated from the United States International University with a B.F.A. in Musical Theater Dance and an M.A. in Dance from California State University Long Beach. Kenneth served as casting director for Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, where he was responsible for identifying and maintaining professional talent for Walt Disney World and their global partners. He has been on faculty at the University of California Irvine, and Spelman College in Atlanta, where he served as Director of Cultural Initiatives in the Office of College Relations. He has staged halftime shows for the Atlanta Falcons and choreographed several productions for Six Flags Over Georgia including their 50th Anniversary Show Celebration. His professional choreography includes City Springs Theatre production of the Color Purple, Target Stores with Vanessa Williams, Adidas, Wendy’s Hamburgers, Kodak and served as TV choreographer for Walt Disney World Christmas Specials and Easter Specials and park parades. Kenneth is the curator of the exhibition Clothes Story: Highlighting African American Women’s Stories from 1890-1963.