'Environmental Protection' is theme of Hillestad Textiles Gallery exhibit

A collection of apparel rooted in clothing in relation to the environment is featured in a new exhibit at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Robert Hillestad Textiles Gallery Dec. 6-22.

"Environmental Protection Garments, Because Tomorrow Never Knows" is the thesis project of Erica White, a graduate student in the Department of Textiles, Clothing and Design in the UNL College of Education and Human Sciences. Her work explores protecting the environment as well as protecting the body from the environment. White designed garments with sustainable techniques including digital textile printing on organic cotton, the use of recycled textiles and industrial castoffs, low waste production, and natural dyes.

The collection examines habitats in jeopardy, including our world's forests, the oceans, fresh water and soil, giving rise to pollution and global warming. Each of these habitats is represented with a pictorial garment illustrating the area of concern and a garment designed to protect the wearer from the devastating harms occurring in those environments. Issues that directed the work are lack of oxygen and clean air, increases in carbon dioxide, diminished fresh water and fertile soil, and extreme climates.

The Black Market, 1033 O St., will host a First Friday artist reception and live fashion show 6-9 p.m. Dec. 3. The live show will begin at 8. The Hillestad Gallery will hold an artist reception 5-6:30 p.m. Dec. 10. All events are free and open to the public.

The gallery is on the second floor of the Home Economics Building on 35th Street north of East Campus Loop [map]. Hours are 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday and by appointment. Admission is free. For more information call (402) 472-2911 or visit http://textilegallery.unl.edu. Guest parking slots are available near the building and metered stalls are located in the Nebraska East Union lot.

WRITER: Wendy Weiss