Programs and Events
Our programs and events highlight the wide range of the Avenir’s current exhibitions, as well as guest presenters on unique subjects. Join us for these free, public lectures on an intriguing array of textile topics!
Make and Mend
First Saturday of Every Month*
2026 dates: Sept. 5, Oct. 3, Nov. 7, Dec. 5
*No Make & Mend in January 2027
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Linda L. Carlson Classroom, Rm 157
Avenir Museum
Does your beloved sweater have a hole? Do your jeans need a patch?
Drop in to our monthly Make & Mend Open Studio, where we welcome all textile-based projects! Whether you’re into upcycling, mending, fabric DIY, cosplay, stuffy repair, quilting, or anything else textiles, this is the perfect space to get creative.
Basic materials will be provided, but if you have specific fabric, thread, or tools you’d like to use, feel free to bring them along! Please note, this is not an alteration service; we want to help you build the skills and knowledge to mend and maintain your own clothes and accessories!
How George Washington Fashioned A Nation with Chloe Chapin, PhD
Saturday, September 26
3 – 4:30 p.m.
The Linda L. Carlson Classroom, Rm 157
Avenir Museum
Was George Washington America’s first fashion designer? Washington designed his own military uniform for the American Revolution, and within fifteen years, men across America, England, and France were copying his look. In this talk, fashion historian Chloe Chapin will unpack the fascinating history of the iconic “buff and blue,” and how it had such a lasting impact on American style.
In her new book, Suitable: the Sartorial Revolution and the Fashioning of Modern Men, Chapin tells the surprising story of how America’s Founding Fathers influenced not only politics and government, but also the next 250 years of men’s fashion. Drawing on a wealth of visual, material, and archival sources, Chapin traces the development of suits from the American Revolution through the Civil War, exploring their impact on American identity and showing how suits became a symbol that transformed ideas of masculinity.
The presentation will be followed by an author Q&A and opportunities to win a copy of Suitable. Order a copy from your favorite book retailer today to have it signed by the author!”
Curators' Tour for imagiNation: Fashioning A Nation, 1776-2026
Wednesday, October 7
4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Tour begins in the lobby, Avenir Museum
Join curators Paula Alaszkiewicz (CSU, Design & Merchandising) and Leisl Carr Childers (CSU, History) for a guided visit of the Avenir Museum’s exhibition imagiNation: Fashioning A Nation, 1776 – 2026. Together, you will journey through national identity, commemoration, and nostalgia.
Japanese Textile Techniques with Laura Wong
Friday, October 23
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
The Linda L. Carlson Classroom, Rm 157
Avenir Museum
Come learn about a variety of weaving and dyeing techniques from Japan, utilizing real vintage and antique fabric examples provided by Laura Wong of LA based textile shop BORO BORO. We will look at the processes by which they are made and how they are utilized in making kimono.
Kimono Dressing Demonstration with Laura Wong
Saturday, October 24
10 – 11 a.m.
The Linda L. Carlson Classroom, Rm 157
Avenir Museum
Have you ever wondered how a Japanese kimono is worn? Come see a demonstration by licensed kimono dresser Laura Wong of how a contemporary kimono ensemble is dressed on the body from start to finish.
Photo by Anji Salz.
Curators' Tour for imagiNation: Fashioning A Nation, 1776-2026
Saturday, November 7
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Tour begins in the lobby, Avenir Museum
Join curators Paula Alaszkiewicz (CSU, Design & Merchandising) and Leisl Carr Childers (CSU, History) for a guided visit of the Avenir Museum’s exhibition imagiNation: Fashioning A Nation, 1776 – 2026. Together, you will journey through national identity, commemoration, and nostalgia.
Curator's Tour for Kimono Matters: Materiality and Making
Saturday, November 14
12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Tour begins in the lobby, Avenir Museum
Gain behind the scenes insight into the exhibition process behind Kimono Matters on this tour with curator, Vidhita Raina (CSU, Design and Merchandising).
Upcoming Events
Past Programs, Museum Hours and Contact Info
