A $1,500 fashion grant will soon be working its way through the creative minds of more than 400 Ernest Righetti High School students who plan to design backpacks, purses and bags to raise money for the art department.
ERHS Art Teacher LeeAnne Del Rio's "Sack Attack" request for funding was granted last week by the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Orange County. Students will begin designing and decorating in January and the finished products will be part of the department's May fundraiser.
The money will allow the students to purchase fabric, needles, thread and other necessities from area thrift stores and elsewhere.
"I want the students to get into the mindset of usable art,'' said Del Rio, adding they will also experience a glimpse of community service because some of the proceeds will be donated to The Relay For Life. "There is a joy of having people accept your individual piece of art. It's a personal acknowledgment of personality and creativity.''
ERHS Senior Kasie Gurgiolo said she plans to create backpacks because they express personality. "It will be pretty cool to see someone walking around with my design,'' Gurgiolo said. ”I really have not decided on a design yet, but I think it will involve popular culture.''
