Columbus knows how to do a festival. But every year, there’s one moment at the Columbus Arts Festival that feels just a little extra.
It’s the runway.
The “Fashion As Art” show is officially returning this summer, taking over the Genoa Park Stage on Friday, June 12 at 8 p.m. And yes, it’s free, just like the rest of the festival.
Organized by Columbus designer and fiber artist Celeste Malvar-Stewart, the show blends high fashion with straight-up artistic expression. This isn’t your average mall runway. Expect bold silhouettes, unexpected materials, and pieces that feel just as at home in a gallery as they do on a catwalk.
This year’s lineup features four Columbus-based designers, each bringing their own perspective to the stage.
Aspen Grazier, a recent graduate of Columbus College of Art & Design, draws inspiration from everything from vintage comics to the Pet Shop Boys. Logan Baldauf, who has shown at past Fashion As Art events, returns with more of his evolving work.
Kaia Armstrong brings a fine art approach to fashion, using airbrush techniques to turn garments into storytelling canvases. And Tracy Powell of The House of IsA rounds out the group with a polished, high-fashion edge shaped by her unconventional path into design.
Music for the show will come courtesy of DJ Moxy Martinez, because a runway without a soundtrack is just people walking in fancy clothes.
Festival organizers say the show has become a staple over the years, and it’s not hard to see why.
“The fashion show has become a popular mainstay at the Columbus Arts Festival,” says Festival Director Alexis Perrone. “Given Columbus’ role as a fashion center, it makes sense that we would feature it alongside the visual arts, music and performances at the Festival. Our audiences love the show, and we’re excited to once again feature a new crop of Columbus-based designers and models.”
Columbus has built a reputation as a fashion hub, and this is one of the best chances to see that creativity on full display.
The Columbus Arts Festival runs June 12 through June 14 along the Scioto Mile, packed with artists, performances, food, and more ways to spend a summer weekend than you can realistically fit into one schedule.
But if you’re planning your visit, circle Friday night. That runway tends to steal the show. To see what else you can find at the festival, head over to columbusartsfestival.org.
