Each spring for the past 9 years, the Clark Atlanta Art and Fashion Department (AFD) has hosted its Art & Fashion Week and Senior Exhibition & Forum on campus. The brainchild of Professor Mrs. BJ Arnett, Chair of the Art and Fashion Department at Clark Atlanta University (CAU), the annual event supports the department's mission to prepare the next generation of professionals with marketable skills in visual and graphic art communication, fashion design, and fashion merchandising through creative projects and active engagement opportunities with professionals in the field.
Professor Arnett has been passionate about driving success for her students since joining the faculty of the HBCU in 2014, spearheading fundraising to support AFD needs and student services. This year, her efforts secured PUMA’s prestigious educational partnership, awarding the department a $500,000 donation. Macy’s also stepped up, contributing $300,000 so far. This support inspired her to move the 2025 event — marking its 10th anniversary — to Atlanta’s Atlantic Station. The upscale, open-air, mixed-use development just minutes away from Clark Atlanta, takes the event, christened “The Tiffany Experience” this year, to the next level by providing a public showcase for the creative talents of the students.
“Events like these are critically important to teaching students real-life skills. We create multiple committees and each student is assigned specific responsibilities. Everyone is expected to contribute to making the event a success. Seeing how much it has grown over the years gives me great pleasure,” said Professor Arnett.
The 2025 Clark Atlanta Art & Fashion Week and Senior Exhibition & Forum kicks off on Monday, April 14 at 11:00 am with CAU’s Mighty Marching Panthers drumline leading guests to the main lawn where CAU President George French Jr., Provost Charlene Gilbert and Professor Mrs. Arnett will speak briefly to attendees. Immediately following the presentation, an opening reception featuring a selection of artistic work from both students and professors curated by Dr. Housman’s curation class will be held in the Senior Exhibition & Forum Gallery from 11:30 am to 2 pm.
Guests will be treated to a special performance by Dr. Phillip Davis, Chair of the Music Department and award-winning jazz pianist and producer. Adjunct Professor and internationally renowned artist Charly Palmer will also give an artist talk. The PR Student Society of America, headed by Dr. Valerie Harris and Professor April Lundy, Chair of the Mass Media Department, will be onsite conducting interviews and will provide ongoing coverage all week.
The gallery will be open to the public throughout the week from 11 am to 2 pm, with multiple artist talks and panel discussions on the schedule.
On Thursday, April 17, CAU’s Theatre Department, directed by Professor Joseph C. Phillips, will perform two dances from a recent production of Antigone at 1:30 and 2 pm. At 3 pm, the 10th Annual Senior Fashion Show will cap off the week’s festivities.
Aaliyah Dasque, Program Manager and Executive Assistant for the Art and Fashion Department, believes that Ms. Arnett has created a legacy.
“This event has made a profound impact on the students and the school over the past 9 years. I’m excited to see the exponential impact we can create by exposing it to a broader audience.”