Blending Innovation and History in Nashville

Professors and students at art show

Field Trip to Nashville! That’s where some Siba Interior Design students went this month looking to enhance their education in window treatments. Both current students and alumni joined instructors Janelle Schrumpf and Jamie Toon on a weekend trip to the International Window Coverings Expo (IWCE) where their experience extended well beyond the trade show floor….

Professors and students at art show

The IWCE provides certifications, training sessions, product demos, and free hands-on workshops for students and working professionals who want an immersive experience in this aspect of interior design. Students spent the weekend interlocking drapery layers, perfecting their swag execution, and trouble-shooting issues with roman blinds. They also had the opportunity to interact with successful Nashville designers who offered their insights on the spirit of Nashville: time-honored tradition blended with new and innovative ideas in design.

Student designing at Siba

After the expo, the students got to visit Belle Meade Plantation, best known for its historic role in breeding elite racehorses. Students toured the grounds, stables, and the mansion itself, where they observed the old-world architecture and the extravagant window draperies appropriate to the era of its heyday.

Stables

Students also toured the grounds of Andrew Jackson’s historical home, Hermitage, and the gardens where the 7th president of the United States was laid to rest.

Professors and students

Finally, the group got to spend some time enjoying the city of Nashville! Instructor Janelle Schrumpf commented, “It was exciting to share my passion for the grand historical homes with all their glory and to have the students experience the period furniture, the history, architecture and window treatments. And the expo got our creativity flowing with all the emerging and exciting trends in fabrics, window coverings, decorative hardware, and the endless possibilities for customization.”

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