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Groovy new exhibition opens May 6, 2023
Allentown, PA—The Allentown Art Museum is pleased to announce the opening of a major exhibition, Fashion as Experiment: The ’60s, on Saturday, May 6, 2023. Fashion as Experiment: The ’60s features more than a hundred garments and accessories from the Museum’s collection that illustrate the tumultuous mood of the decade, ranging from hippie looks to bold ready-to-wear designs by André Courrèges, Vera Neumann, and more. This fun and colorful exhibition shows how 1960s youth used fashion to express new views and values—and spark a wave of social and political change in America.
Fashion as Experiment: The ’60s continues through September 24 and will be supplemented by ‘60s-themed programs at the Museum throughout the spring and summer, including a series of upcycling workshops that kicks off on opening day, May 6, with tie-dying. Admission to the Museum and galleries is Free for All, Always. Hours are Thursday through Sunday 11 a.m.-4
p.m. and Third Thursdays 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Fashion as Experiment: The ’60s presents styles such as Mod and Pop along with psychedelic looks that capture the decade’s exuberant and irreverent attitude. Shown are men’s and women’s clothing that blur gender boundaries, and miniskirts and hot pants that reflect the era’s sexual revolution. These styles set the stage for countercultural fashions of the late 1960s and early 1970s, including globally inspired designs as well as thrifted and handmade garments.
Early this year the Museum put out a call to the community for vintage family photos showing ‘60s styles, and a selection of those are included in the exhibition on a digital display.
‘60s-Themed Programs—Free for All!
May 5, 6-8 p.m.: Member Preview
May 6, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.: Opening Day of Fashion as Experiment: The ‘60s
- Family artmaking at the new Fashion Maker Station
- Guided tours of the exhibition at 11:30 m. (led by curator Claire McRee) and 2:30 p.m.
- Tie-dying on the Museum lawn from noon until 3 m.
June 3, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Sip & Stitch—Creative time for quilters, knitters & fabric artists
June 10 & 11, 2-3 p.m.: Guided tour of Fashion as Experiment: The ’60s
June 10 & 11, noon-3 p.m.: Upcycling Workshop—Dress Up Your Denim
July 1, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Sip & Stitch—Creative time for quilters, knitters & fabric artists
July 8 & 9, 2-3 p.m.: Guided tour of Fashion as Experiment: The ’60s
July 8 & 9, noon-3 p.m.: Upcycling Workshop—Jewelry Jam
August 5, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Sip & Stitch—Creative time for quilters, knitters & fabric artists
August 12 & 13, 2-3 p.m.: Guided tour of Fashion as Experiment: The ’60s
August 12 & 13, noon-3 p.m.: Upcycling Workshop—Embroidery and Visible Mending
August 26, 2-3 p.m.: Guided tour of Fashion as Experiment: The ’60s
September 2, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Sip & Stitch—Creative time for quilters, knitters & fabric artists
September 9 & 10, noon-3 p.m.: Upcycling Workshop—Final Workshop
September 23 & 24, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.: Closing Weekend of Fashion as Experiment: The ’60s
Admission to the Allentown Art Museum is always #freeforall thanks to a generous legacy gift from the Century Fund along with lead support from Lehigh Valley Health Network and City Center Allentown and J.B. and Kathleen Reilly.
Fashion as Experiment: The ’60s is generously supported by The Coby Foundation, Ltd.; Martin Guitar Charitable Foundation; and County of Lehigh. Additional support is provided by Ellie Laubner, Bernard and Audrey Berman Foundation, and Leon C. and June W. Holt Endowment.
ABOUT THE ALLENTOWN ART MUSEUM
The Allentown Art Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that participates in the cultural, educational, and economic life of the Lehigh Valley. Defined by a unique combination of tradition and innovation, our collections, educational partnerships, community-based programs, and exhibitions are dedicated to inspiring the broadest possible public engagement, access, and service. For more information please visit AllentownArtMuseum.org.
Information and image provided to TVL by:
Chris Potash
Manager of Marketing and Public Relations
Allentown Art Museum
