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A new partnership between the �鶹��ý Museum and the , a student-led organization dedicated to providing free fabric to Kent State students, offers students the resources they need while promoting environmentally responsible fashion practices.

Sarah Spinner Liska, Ph.D., J.D., was appointed museum director in July. She has been focusing on student engagement and creating a more inclusive space for the university community. Since her arrival, Spinner Liska prioritized aligning the museum’s initiatives with the students.  

“I am thrilled to launch this partnership with the Fabric Pantry to advance inclusivity and sustainability,” Spinner Liska told Kent State Today. “The passion, creativity and drive of these students is inspiring, and their work is creating real change on campus.”

The Fabric Pantry, founded in 2022, provides free fabrics to students sourced from local donations. As the only textile resource on campus, the pantry serves more than 250 students annually, making materials accessible while addressing the growing concern of textile waste.

“We’ve seen so much growth, and the support we’ve received from the museum has been invaluable,” said Pearl Heinley, a senior fashion design major and co-founder of the Fabric Pantry. “Our mission to provide sustainable materials is being realized, and it’s all thanks to the support from the university and community.”

Evelyn Snyder, a senior fashion design major and president of the Fabric Pantry, emphasized how this partnership will bring awareness to students who may not be familiar with the pantry’s resources.  

“Partnering with the museum is one of the most effective ways to engage more students and ensure they have access to sustainable materials,” Snyder said. “It’s cool to care about sustainability, and it’s cool to care about students and what they need. We’re teaching people to care about community, and that’s exciting for us.”

The partnership kicked off with its first program on Nov. 8, where students participated in a discussion about textile waste, sustainability and the resources available through the Fabric Pantry. Student-led conversations let attendees explore how sustainability can be integrated into fashion practices while giving students access to materials that support their creative projects.

“Opening up the museum in this way allows us to engage with students in a meaningful way,” Spinner Liska said. “By making sustainability part of the conversation, we’re creating a space where students feel encouraged to explore these ideas and apply them to their work.”

The partnership will continue with a six-part sustainability program throughout the Spring 2025 Semester. These programs will be held on select Fridays and are designed to bring students together to discuss sustainability while sourcing materials from the Fabric Pantry.

“These events are designed to build stronger connections, spark creativity and give students the tools to drive change,” Spinner Liska said.  

Ken Robinson, a key supporter of the museum and the school, is sponsoring the program series. His involvement ensures that the museum can amplify its sustainability initiatives and support student efforts to create positive change. The funding will also help the Fabric Pantry source additional materials, expanding the resources available to students.

“The support from Ken Robinson has been a game changer,” said Heinley. “This funding helps us continue to provide essential resources to students, especially in a time when sustainability is becoming an even greater focus in the fashion industry.”

Learn more about the �鶹��ý Museum.