CTC presents expanded fashion program at open house | Education

“This is the second time we’ve combined College for Kids with a CTC Open House,” said Jocelyn Larkin, CTC Continuing Education Coordinator. “The fashion show gives College for Kids students a chance to showcase their creations. We’re also going to have some students bring their robots and show off what they’ve learned, and we have the CTC dance team putting on a show.”

The fashion show featured designs created by young artists participating in the week-long Fashionista design course. The students showcased their handmade ensembles, including clothing and accessories such as jewelry and handbags.

Another part of the fashion show was the latest collection from Schenk Couture, the brand of fashion designer and CTC fashion instructor Miriam Schenk.

Miriam Schenk is one of our new instructors and she will be starting our fall adult classes in pattern making, draping and sewing, Larkin said. These classes will run through the spring and we are working on expanding our design program.

There will also be a fashion club on campus.

Other CTC students, such as fine arts students, can also join the fashion club, Larkin said.

One of the highlights of the event was the auction of a dress designed by Schenk and painted by artist Oscar Fernandez, a CTC student and independent illustrator.

“I met Miriam at a show,” Fernandez said. “After seeing my work, she asked me to collaborate with her. “I’ve already painted and drawn on jackets and shoes.”

During the design process, Schenk was inspired by lupine fields. Fernandez continued this vision.

“All my work, no matter how small, always has a story behind it,” he said. “After seeing the dress and its beautiful silhouette, I knew I wanted to do something feminine. The waist has floral patterns and I wanted to keep the theme. Black represents darkness or negativity. Flowers are hope and beauty. That in the darkness, there is still beauty. Always hope.”

The open house portion of the event saw various CTC departments present their programs and offerings.

“All the different departments show what they can do upstairs,” Larkin said. “We also have our continuing education table. One of our main focuses is allied health, which is a quick way to get certified. It’s an intensive course, but we do have scholarships available.”

Enchantra Thomas, a Killeen Open House attendee, was excited to get new information about available classes.

I'm here to re-explore, she said. It's been years since I've been here, but when I talked to my academic advisor, she told me to come see what's changed, and it definitely has.

Thomas was nervous about deciding his future, but curious to learn more about the different options.

I'm here to reevaluate myself and I'm slowly coming back, she said. Right now I'm doing general studies and thinking about what I want to do next. I'm just here to see what they have to offer and for them to help me figure out what I want to do with my life.

In addition to disseminating information, the organizers of the fashion show and open house aimed to raise funds for the CTC Foundation.

Last year was really great, Larking said. All of our participants were there, we had a great show and raised $250 from raffle tickets so we could offer a scholarship at our College for Kids showcase day last May.

In addition to the dress auction, this year’s event included a raffle for student-created items, with tickets selling for $12 each. Proceeds from the raffle and auction will fund scholarships, continuing the CTC Foundation’s mission to support students through scholarships and other means.