Academy of Art University School of Fashion Students Team Up to Make Face Masks for the Underserved

San Francisco, CA, June 3, 2020 – Academy of Art University School of Fashion students are embarking on a weekly mask-making project in which they are constructing masks for the underserved community of San Francisco

A person arranges white fabric on a large table in a sewing lab with dress forms in the background. A sign reads, "ABSOLUTELY NO FOOD OR DRINKS allowed in the sewing labs."

This project comes as fashion students discussed ways of helping the underserved during these uncertain times. They felt the urgent need to respond to the recent announcement that Bay Area residents are now required to wear face coverings in public settings in order to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. Masks continue to be challenging to obtain, and the ones that are available carry a price tag that does not make them accessible for many in need.

White fabric pieces with coiled cords rest on a table beside stacks of sealed yellow envelopes in a well-lit room. No text is present.

Two people, wearing masks and gloves, sort face masks on a table in a bright room with a brick wall. A banner reads "2X2" and shows specifications of a vehicle.

Stacks of white cloth face masks are neatly arranged on a tabletop, surrounded by fabric scraps and strings, suggesting a sewing or production environment.

Two people wearing masks organize stacks of fabric on a table in a workshop. Nearby, a bicycle and exercise ball rest against metal lockers, with a window overlooking greenery.

“I think it is our responsibility as humans, especially in a time of need, to be generous with our knowledge as well as our skills. We all have something to give, and sewing masks is a way I can share that,” Milijana Delic, MFA Fashion Design student enthusiastically explains.

Fashion design faculty are volunteering to assemble hundreds of mask-making kits for students containing new fabric, thread, and elastic provided by the Academy. These kits are being delivered weekly to all student volunteers with the generous help of TogetherSF (https://www.togethersf.org/) and UBCO Bikes (https://www.ubcobikes.com/us/).

TogetherSF and UBCO are volunteering their time to pick up completed masks from each student, then deliver the masks to those unable to shelter-in-place or social distance. Homeless shelters, group homes, and assisted living communities, along with other non-profit organizations in need, will also be supplied with the masks.

Two people stand with a motorcycle outside a building. They wear masks and gloves. The building has a sign reading "SWORDS TO PLOWSHARES." An entrance note says, "VISITORS AND DELIVERY AFU AFO."

“Being able to have the faculty and students partner with TogetherSF and UBCO Bikes felt like a perfect way to build a community for our students and to feel connected while knowing we are helping the homeless population of San Francisco,” says Simon Ungless, Executive Director of School of Fashion.

Two people, wearing face masks, stand in a hallway. One holds a large envelope. Behind them, a sign reads "St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco" with detailed instructions.

Three people hold masks and bags in a room with cardboard boxes. Text on the wall reads: “When Their Service Ends, Ours Begins. War causes wounds and suffering that last beyond the battlefield. Swords to Plowshares’ mission is to heal the wounds, to restore dignity, hope, and self-sufficiency to all veterans in need, and to prevent and end homelessness and poverty among veterans.”

To date, 375 masks have already been delivered to five non-profit organizations throughout the Bay Area. A step-by-step instruction created, written, and photographed by Yoko Fujisihma, faculty member for 3D Technical Fashion Design, has also been made available to the public

How To Create Face Masks

About Academy of Art University
Established in 1929, Academy of Art University is one of the largest private accredited art and design schools in the nation. Located in San Francisco, the epicenter of culture and technology, Academy of Art University offers more than 135 accredited degree programs spanning 40 areas of study, including entertainment arts, advertising, fashion, architecture, game development, music, communication, photography and more. For more information, please visit https://www.academyart.edu.

Press Contacts
Gabriel Joshua Gima
Director, Public Relations x Special Event
415-618-3802

ggima@academyart.edu