By Abby Cambiano
Northeast News

As the Kansas City Museum (801 Broadway Blvd.) gets used to a new space in the Historic Garment District, Gladstone Elementary (335 N. Elmwood Ave.) students are preparing to head back to school. After a successful fashion show in May, students in the LINC (Local Investment Commission) after-school sewing program are ready to expand their skills.

The Northeast News previously reported that LINC has been providing after-school programs at Gladstone Elementary since 1992. During the 2016-2017, the idea came about to add a sewing and design program to support STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) in local schools. The “Design is Everywhere” fashion show featured the work of seven fourth and fifth graders from the elementary school.

“The ‘Design is Everywhere’ fashion show that took place this last school year was a hit,” Kechena Richardson, teacher of the sewing classes, said. “We not only had sponsor from various businesses, but locals from the community come out to support the students and adults.”

After the first fashion show, Gladstone Elementary plans to partner with Kansas City Museum, which will sponsor transportation and field trips to the Historic Garment District, as well as providing fabric materials for students.

“Our plan for the next half of the school year is to have a bigger and better sewing course, hopefully followed by another Fashion Show,” Richardson said.

The Kansas City Museum’s temporary move to the Historic Garment District is due to a multi-year renovation at Corinthian Hall (3218 Gladstone Blvd.).