Daily News
From Home Furnishing Business
Leading Textile Company Collaborates with Non-Profit for Design Inspiration
December 5,
2018 by Jane Chero in Community / Charitable Support, Designer Weekly, Industry 
Leading textile designer and producer JLA Fabrics is unveiling its new Curate Collection inspired by original artwork from local non-profit The Arc of High Point, during this week’s ITA Showtime Market.
The Curate Collection includes two upholstery fabrics inspired and designed from paintings created by local artists at The Arc of High Point’s Creative Arts Studio, a High Point, N.C.-based advocacy organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“The collaboration between JLA Fabrics and The Arc of High Point is new for both of us, and this season’s introductions are just the beginning of our vision to spotlight truly inspiring art from local talent,” said Mike Grimsley, vice president of sales for JLA Fabrics.
Curate premieres with several fabrics this season, including Impasto and Convex. Named for the process or technique of layering paint on thickly, Impasto was designed from the artwork of Brandi and will be offered in seven color ways. Convex will be available in eight color ways and originates from the artwork of Melissa, whose painting was done in black and white.
“We appreciate JLA Fabric’s recognition of our artists, who enjoy art as a way of expressing themselves without words and through paint and canvas,” said Stephanie Antkowiak, executive director of The Arc of High Point. “Seeing the artwork produced in a fabric and realizing that someone may choose it for their home is beyond our dreams.”
The idea to collaborate with The Arc of High Point came from JLA Fabric’s director of design and product development, Allison Hocker, who joined the company last year. She and JLA Fabric’s co-director of design, Alana Hernandez, visited The Arc of High Point, reviewed the work of several artists to get a feel for their style and preferred techniques, and then offered some art direction for the commissioned artwork.
“We see Curate as more than just a fabric collection. It represents the power of art to express oneself and highlights how the Arc of High Point serves our local community through its Creative Arts Studio and numerous other programs,” said Hocker. “This is not a one-time collaboration with The Arc of High Point but the start of a relationship and growing collection that is about more than fabric and furniture.”