Runway hair show returns to The Carnegie

The Carnegie’s biannual exhibition "The Art of Hair" returns this January, in the midst of this Covington-based art venue’s 2013-14 season. 

The exhibition debuted in 2012 when 40 models from 13 Tri-State salons came together to celebrate elaborate hairstyles, costumes and makeup as an art form. 

“The Carnegie’s uniquely positioned to do this—in the region, in Northern Kentucky or Ohio—we’re the only organization that’s a fully functioning gallery, fully functioning theater and an education center,” says Katie Brass, Executive Director. “So we don’t have anyone to compare us to as a whole. We’re multidisciplinary, and we embrace that.” 

For Brass, the “over-the-top models” that storm the runway showcase designs that are “absolutely amazing,” as stylists’ clients completely shift their looks for one day, covered from head to toe with everything from hair spray and makeup to unique styles of dress.

The volunteer models, Brass says, assist The Carnegie in fulfilling its mission of serving as a welcoming venue with the capacity to present creatives’ work through a variety of different mediums. 

“Seven years ago, if I’d go somewhere and say, ’Hey have you ever been to the Carnegie?’ no one would raise their hand,” Brass says. “But now, people see it and think, ‘There’s no way I’m in the middle of Covington.’ People can come and relax and enjoy art in a really great, friendly space; and I want people to walk away and say, ‘Wow, that was pretty amazing, and I can’t believe the Carnegie was able to do that.’” 

Do Good: 

• Attend the Art of Hair runway show at either 1 p.m. or 3 p.m. January 12, 2014.

• Like The Carnegie on Facebook. 

• Check out The Carnegie by visiting the galleries or seeing a production. 

By Brittany York
Brittany York is a professor of English composition at both the University of Cincinnati and Xavier University. She also edits the For Good section of SoapboxMedia.