After a breakout debut last year, House of GOCA returns this month with a bold new vision that turns the runway into a universe of ideas, movement and meaning. This year’s version, called “Stardust,” blends avant-garde fashion and wearable art into an immersive experience, drawing inspiration from Colorado Springs native Nina Elder’s current exhibit, “The Source Never Diminishes,” bridging art, science, social justice and the elements that connect us all.
Poised to become a national leader for significant contemporary art experiences, the Galleries of Contemporary Art (GOCA) at the Ent Center for the Arts focuses on timely and socially relevant artists who explore identity, place and justice with 2025 exhibitions including “Justice of the Piece,” showcasing the work of Lady Pink, Sydney G. James and Grow Love, and “Between the Land and Sky” by Karla Garcia.
Through cutting-edge creative expression, “Stardust” invites artists, designers and audiences “to explore the mystery and majesty of the universe.”
Joy Armstrong, the award-winning museum curator, returned to her roots in 2023 when she was appointed director of GOCA. Formerly, Armstrong was the curator at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center for almost a decade, before joining the nonprofit Inside Out Youth Services for several years.
“But my heart has always been in the arts. So, when the position at GOCA opened up, I was fortunate to get the job as director.”
House of GOCA stemmed from another fashion event in the early 2020s called “Sashay,” Armstrong explains.
“Always being the kid who did something weird, [I found] ‘Sashay’ was a way to express yourself by what you wore on your bodies, and one of the most fun events I worked on at the fine arts museum. So, I revived this inclusive event and that was how House of GOCA came to happen.”
If You Go
House of GOCA: Stardust
Runway event: Friday, Feb. 20, 2026
Related exhibition on view through March 15, 2026
The exhibition is free and open to the public.
Opening night is Feb. 20; doors open at 6 p.m. and the runway show begins at 7 p.m. at the Shockley-Zalabak Theater at Ent Center for the Arts, 5225 N. Nevada Ave.
Tickets for the runway event are available at entarts.org/Runway2026 or by calling 719-255-8181.
VIP on-stage seating is sold out, but general admission is available at multiple levels ($20–$35). UCCS students and group sales receive special pricing.
Celebrating this second year for what will become an annual signature event after last year’s rousing success, several of last year’s House of GOCA visual artists are participating in this year’s exhibit.
“Aaron Graves is a brilliant, elegant and sophisticated couture designer who lives in Colorado Springs,” says Armstrong. “His gorgeous work could be found on the red carpet. From Denver, Karla Palma, a young and emerging designer, returns with KPalma, a fun, funky and youthful line, featuring teen-age models.”
K8E Orr of Jibwa Studio is a returning artist from Manitou Springs and has a wonderful aesthetic, using unusual and unique items in her colorful handmade clothing and jewelry.
“I have always been all over the place as far as my art is concerned,” Orr explains. “I’ve always loved fashion design and, over the years, have participated in Manitou’s amazing community parades, including Mardi Gras and the Coffin Races, making my own dreams come true.”
In 2025, Orr designed a very comprehensive tarot card reading, where her designs represent the cards. This year, Orr’s theme is “When Color Learns to Orbit,” and she will represent the planets through her costumes.
“My designs are very deep in fantasy, and I created a celestial fashion show through our solar system. I will be using a celestial tulle fabric, lots of different handmade textiles as well as creating my own headpieces.”
“Stardust” will also feature the work of regional artists Chromatiicat Handmade, Frantic Fabric, Hart & Horn, Obaid Afghan Treasure, Phoebe H. Boynton, SKYE AIRE and Tyne Hall.