The Mall of The Arts has truly made a remarkable impact in our community, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with creativity and excitement. This innovative art shop has hosted a diverse range of events, infusing a new energy into the local community. This Halloween was particularly memorable as the shop proudly showcased one of its most celebrated annual events—the much-anticipated Halloween Fashion Show!
The Halloween Fashion Show took place on Saturday, October 26, from noon to 4:00 PM, offering an exciting daytime experience for attendees. This event not only allowed children to showcase their creative costumes but also provided a platform for families to come together and enjoy an afternoon filled with fun activities.
This year's Halloween Fashion Show marks the third annual event, and it has drawn an impressive turnout, with a remarkable 175 participants signing up to showcase their unique costumes on the runway. Throughout the event, there were numerous activities designed to engage and entertain young attendees. There was a face painting station, perfect for allowing kids to express their inner ghouls and goblins, alongside a bag decorating booth where they could craft personalized trick-or-treat bags, adding a personal touch to their Halloween experience.
Additionally, a food decorating station offered a delightful array of options, including the chance to artistically decorate cupcakes, apples, or oranges, encouraging a fun blend of creativity and deliciousness. A professional photographer was on hand to capture the special moments, ensuring that every child could have their time in the spotlight as they strutted down the runway, proudly displaying their costumes.
Andria Stephens, the Executive Director and Co-founder, expressed her excitement, stating, “Between this and Christmas, this is one of our biggest events!” Her enthusiasm for the City Center Mall is palpable: “The mall has been amazing! They give us the whole open area in the center of the mall to put all this on!” This space has proven to be invaluable, allowing for a grand display of creativity and festive spirit, and providing a fitting backdrop for such a vibrant community event.
“We love hosting small events” continued Stephens. “We started doing fashion shows where we lay out mats and decorate. We hold several back-to-school fashion shows, Halloween Fashion shows and Christmas Fashion shows which are now annual events” Her words reflect a commitment to fostering creativity, collaboration, and celebration within the community, ensuring that these events will continue to flourish and bring joy to local families for years to come.
As a gathering place, the shop has evolved into a central hub for a variety of workshops, engaging events, and an impressive selection of locally-produced merchandise. It's become a go-to destination for families and individuals looking for creative pursuits and community engagement. With each workshop and event, the shop strengthens its role in our neighborhood, bringing people together and igniting their imaginations.
