This shoe design exhibit served as the closing ceremony for the first “Walk for Change,” a collaborative walk fundraiser aimed at bringing together agency partners dedicated to HIV care, support, and awareness. During the closing ceremony, this collective of artists designed sneakers live, in their signature style, symbolizing the hope, love, resilience of community and the eternal connection of souls as we each walk our own path.
Proceeds from Connected Soles benefit 10 participating healthcare agencies that service Central Florida’s HIV/AIDS community:
Connected Soles & A Message in the Muslin will travel to several galleries throughout Central Florida, starting with Her Art Works and ending with City Arts in the Downtown Arts District. Scroll below to see these amazing works of art, which will be available for purchase until March 20.
The Influence of Fashion® Collective
Ridge Bonnick’s work emerges from a deep-seated belief in art’s transformative power—its ability to act as therapy, guiding us through life’s darkest depths and helping us return with a greater understanding of ourselves and our origins.
The art of Lu’e Diaz explores the Lu'everse, a dimension born from the struggles of the human mind. Emo'me, the protagonist, embodies self-discovery and acceptance. Through vibrant colors and symbolism, he normalizes mental health conversations, encourage vulnerability, and promote resilience. The artwork invites viewers to confront their struggles, foster empathy, and celebrate the beauty of imperfection.
This shoe reflects the vision of SixSet founder Sebastian Garcia: limitless possibilities, a journey that sometimes calls for stepping into the unknown. With no prior experience in designing shoes, this challenge became an opportunity to view each step as part of a broader vision, guided by faith. Jeremiah 29:11.
Steven G. Sanchez is an arts executive with a passion for creating and curating in the arts.
Jasmin Machell crafted this shoe for HIV/AIDS awareness, tell a story of strength, connection, and community. The distressed denim symbolizes the impact of the disease, reflecting its ability to fray live; denim hearts are stitched together to signify unity and support reminding us that no one fights alone. Denim, "America's fabric," further symbolizes our shared responsibility to care for and uplift one another. Through every step, these soles carry a message of resilience and connection.
Shoe designer OBI Cymatica, whose shoe designs are edged between the line of glamour, sophistication, innovative and sleek cuts, grew up in Nigeria and moved to New York at the age of 16. This talented individual is truly a creative force to be reckoned with, for he has illustrated designs for BCBG, and designed for luxury fashion powerhouses, the great Oscar De La Renta and even for Jimmy Choo.
Jaison Radcliff is an author, educator, illustrator, and serial entrepreneur whose focus is on fashion and visual arts. He brings years of industry experience to students, as a professional fashion illustrator at www.thepaperbarcompany.com, and through his past work as a corporate wholesaler for some of the industry’s largest fashion brands.
Jeremiah Reed is interested in the many different forms of art. For me, art is about taking ideas and building on them, capturing special moments, and sharing them with others. I love exploring the different ways we can express ourselves and hope to create pieces that encourage people to stop, think, and connect with what they see.
