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Creative Caps – In Conversation with Chris Colon
August 7th, 2019 |
Handbags aren’t the only expressive accessories on display at Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites! Lehigh Valley artist Chris Colon’s preferred medium is hats.
Chris started his career in the arts at the Fashion Institute of Technology, where he graduated with a bachelor’s in graphic design in 2006. After graduation, Chris started his own t-shirt company called bS Shirts, specializing in one-of-a-kind t-shirts. His t-shirts showcasing his artworks allowed him to sell his work in New York City. Today Chris uses his experience from bS Shirts to promote his brand Chris Colon Originals, selling his artwork with a focus on one-of-a-kind hats.
Chris Colon’s work has been described as whimsically exuberant, vibrantly expressive, and richly ornate. Through his hats and other artwork, he brings together a unique blend of pop and traditional. Chris states that he begins with a concept and draws inspiration from graffiti artists as well as the Baroque and Art Nouveau movements. He focuses on hats because they are wearable canvases to showcase his art. He wants the customer to feel unique. “My motivation for every project I start is not only the opportunity to do something fresh,” Chris says, “but also to create something for our culture that inspires people to discover their own stories and journeys.” He says that the dream never dies and that one must continue to chase their dream because it will be worth the wait.
Chris Colon is bringing his wearable canvases to Historic Bethlehem with a Snapback Design Workshop, presented through Design After Dark this spring. The event will allow participants to design their own personalized snapback while enjoying PURSEonality: A Stylish Handbag History.
“My hat workshops are fun and free flowing,” says Chris. “I take pride in knowing my workshops are a judgement free space in which the patrons walk out with their own Chris Colon Original.” His advice for aspiring artists and others alike is to “Be Unique. Be Different. Be Original.” Through this workshop participants will be able to express their inner artist and learn from one of the best about making unique and inspiring wearable art.
Join us May 28th for a night full of painting and fun! Tickets are $15 for members and $20 for non-members and include all supplies needed to customize your hat, admission to PURSEonality: A Stylish Handbag History, and a selection of beverages and snack foods; they can be purchased online.
Can’t make the workshop but still want to support local art and Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites? A select number of Chris Colon Originals hats are available for purchase at the Kemerer Museum of Decorative Art
