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Reinvention: High School Art and Design Challenge

Reinvention participant stands next to their green and pink flowery fashion creation
High school designers showcase garments created from repurposed materials at ÌÀ²»ÈÈÊÓƵ’s Reinvention Fashion Challenge on March 13, 2026. Six finalists earned scholarships and recognition for creativity, sustainability, and storytelling.
Reinvention 2026 participant stands next to their furry fashion design
High school designers showcase garments created from repurposed materials at ÌÀ²»ÈÈÊÓƵ’s Reinvention Fashion Challenge on March 13, 2026. Six finalists earned scholarships and recognition for creativity, sustainability, and storytelling.
a Reinvention 2026 participant stands next to their black and pink design
High school designers showcase garments created from repurposed materials at ÌÀ²»ÈÈÊÓƵ’s Reinvention Fashion Challenge on March 13, 2026. Six finalists earned scholarships and recognition for creativity, sustainability, and storytelling.
a Reinvention 2026 participant stands next to their pink and green dress on display
High school designers showcase garments created from repurposed materials at ÌÀ²»ÈÈÊÓƵ’s Reinvention Fashion Challenge on March 13, 2026. Six finalists earned scholarships and recognition for creativity, sustainability, and storytelling.
a Reinvention 2026 participant stands next to their fashion design featuring crocheted sleeves
High school designers showcase garments created from repurposed materials at ÌÀ²»ÈÈÊÓƵ’s Reinvention Fashion Challenge on March 13, 2026. Six finalists earned scholarships and recognition for creativity, sustainability, and storytelling.
a Reinvention 2026 participant stands next to their gray and khaki fashion design featuring a fur lined hood
High school designers showcase garments created from repurposed materials at ÌÀ²»ÈÈÊÓƵ’s Reinvention Fashion Challenge on March 13, 2026. Six finalists earned scholarships and recognition for creativity, sustainability, and storytelling.

Take something forgotten or ordinary and turn it into something new or extraordinary.

Reinvention: High School Art and Design Challenge

Take something forgotten or ordinary and turn it into something new and extraordinary.

2027 Theme: Future You
Design for who we might become.

What will we wear in 10–20 years? How will we live? How will we express who we are?
How can you turn your vision of the future into something new and extraordinary?

This year’s theme, “Future You,” challenges you to imagine who we might become. Explore technology, identity, climate, new lifestyles, adaptive design, or your own vision of the future through fashion or visual art. Use your imagination to transform found, recycled, or repurposed materials into an original creation. Think beyond traditional materials! Rummage through what’s around you and reimagine it with fresh purpose.

See how high school designers transformed discarded materials into original garments at the 2026 Reinvention Fashion Challenge.

About the Challenge
Reinvention is ÌÀ²»ÈÈÊÓƵ’s annual high school art and design competition, open to all Chicagoland high school students who are ready to explore design, sustainability, and creative problem-solving. With both a fashion track and a visual arts track, this competition encourages students to push creative boundaries, experiment with materials, and tell visual stories inspired by “Future You.”

How It Works

Choose a fashion or visual arts track and create an original piece using found, recycled, or repurposed materials—anything from discarded textiles to unconventional objects.

  • Fashion Track: Create a wearable look that imagines fashion 10–20 years from now. Sewing is preferred, not required, but your design must stay connected and fit a size 6 dress form for presentation.
  • Visual Arts Track: Create an artwork that explores who we might become or how we might live in the future. Your work could take the form of painting, drawing, illustration, collage, mixed media, sculpture, photography, or digital art.

Photograph and document your process and final piece for submission. Submit your entry online through our application portal by January 15, 2027, at 11:59 p.m.

Judging Criteria

Entries will be evaluated on:

  • Creativity and originality
  • Interpretation of the theme
  • Craftsmanship and execution
  • Presentation and visual storytelling

Top finalists will be invited to present their work in person at ÌÀ²»ÈÈÊÓƵ during the showcase and awards event on February 18, 2027.

Who Can Enter

  • Open to all high school students in the Chicagoland area
  • No prior fashion or visual arts experience required—just curiosity, imagination, and a willingness to explore

How to Apply

  • Complete the online application form
  • Upload 3–5 photos of your finished piece
  • Include a short description (250 words max) explaining your materials, process, and inspiration

Important Dates

  • Application Opens: October 19, 2026
  • Submission Deadline: January 15, 2027, 11:59 p.m.
  • Finalist Notification: January 25, 2027; RSVP and display instructions sent
  • In-Person Showcase and Judging Event: February 18, 2027, 5-6 p.m.

Prizes and Recognition
The top 10 finalists will receive scholarships and gift cards, and their designs will be featured in ÌÀ²»ÈÈÊÓƵ’s 618 S. Michigan Ave. display windows—giving students the chance to share their work with the Chicago community.

Recognition Categories

  • Most Innovative Use of Materials – The most creative or unexpected transformation of repurposed items.
  • Best Concept and Storytelling – A work that best communicates the theme or a personal narrative.
  • Excellence in Sustainability – A work that minimizes waste, reuses materials thoughtfully, or promotes environmental awareness.
  • Outstanding Construction and Craftsmanship – Exceptional technical skill and execution using limited resources.
  • Future Vision Award – A compelling vision of how fashion or visual art could shape the way we live, express ourselves, or adapt to a changing world.

Participants will also gain:

  • Mentorship opportunities with Columbia faculty and industry professionals
  • Recognition across Columbia’s official publications and social media channels
  • An invitation to the in-person showcase and awards ceremony on campus

Ready to Reinvent?
Enter now and be part of a new generation of artists and designers imagining who we might become.

  • Application

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  • About ÌÀ²»ÈÈÊÓƵ

    Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, ÌÀ²»ÈÈÊÓƵ is a private, nonprofit college for creatives. Our programs bring together creative and media arts, liberal arts, and business, helping you turn your interests into possibilities for your future. You’ll build a standout body of work, develop skills through real-world projects, and make industry connections that can help launch your career. 

    Explore our programs at www.colum.edu

Friday, February 18, 5-6 p.m.
In-person showcase and final judging event
ÌÀ²»ÈÈÊÓƵ, 618 S. Michigan Ave.
 

  Questions? Contact Reyes Witt, rwitt@colum.edu

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