In Long Beach, California, the School of Sexuality Project hosted its second annual Vulva Gala, bringing together about 400 guests and nearly 30 artists from the Los Angeles area for a bold blend of art, community, and learning.
Held at the First Congregational Church of Long Beach, the event featured handmade anatomical costumes that participants customized with personal details, decorative elements, and individual artistic statements. Some works highlighted body positivity and self-expression, while others used the format to reflect lived experiences and social themes.
The project was founded in 2020 by Bridgett Khoury, who said the goal is to move beyond traditional lecture-based instruction and create a more welcoming, festival-style environment for learning. By centering humor and art, the initiative aims to make anatomy education more accessible and engaging.
The costumes themselves are hand-sewn in a range of skin tones and body shapes, reinforcing the project's focus on representation and inclusivity. Artists received the base pieces earlier this year and were invited to transform them into original creations.
As creative education continues to evolve, events like this suggest a future where art and learning work together to build stronger, more expressive communities.
