The Install

A free public experience centering wigs, alopecia, identity & the women who wear them through art, storytelling and live education.

Presented by Lace Layer during Alopecia Awareness Month, The Install is a free Boston experience bringing together wig education, alopecia and hair-loss awareness, portrait storytelling, wellness and community.

Join us September 19, 2026 from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Civic Pavilion at Boston City Hall Plaza for an afternoon centered on wigs, identity, artistry and the women who wear them.

For many women, a wig is more than hair. It can be part of navigating hair loss, an expression of identity, a source of confidence, a form of creativity or simply a personal choice.

The Install puts the women and their stories at the center.

Seven Women. Seven Portraits. Seven Stories.

At the heart of The Install is an original portrait exhibition featuring seven local women, each with her own relationship to wigs, hair loss, identity and confidence.

Photographed in their wigs and presented alongside their personal stories, the exhibition invites guests to see the woman behind the install and the experiences that aren't always visible.

The Install Portrait Exhibition + Gallery Experience is created and curated by Arlene Baldwin, with photography by Samuel “Borii” Adewale.

Conversations, Wellness and Live Artistry

The Install Conversation brings together Wonder R. Hollingsworth, Dianne Austin, Pamela Shaddock, Danielle Johnson and moderator Arlene Baldwin for a candid conversation about alopecia, medical hair loss, wig wearing, identity, advocacy and representation.

Dr. Lucy Lomas will lead Caring for You: A Conversation on Self-Care and Wellness, exploring emotional wellness and caring for yourself while navigating hair loss.

Then, watch a live wig installation with Sammie Marie of Thehairrpluggg, featuring the Lace Layer Install System. See the installation process from start to finish, learn application and lace-melting techniques, and bring your wig questions.

What You'll Experience

• Seven portraits and the real stories behind them
• Live conversations about alopecia, hair loss, identity and wellness
• A live wig installation and education
• FREE WIG GIVEAWAYS and other giveaways
• Hair-loss and community resources
• Food, drinks and mocktails
• Opportunities to connect, ask questions and take photos

Whether you wear wigs because of alopecia, medical hair loss, protective styling, convenience, fashion or simply because you love them, The Install is a space to learn, connect and see the many experiences behind wig wearing represented.

RSVP

RSVPs are encouraged to receive event updates and help us plan for attendance.

The Install is a free, unticketed event open to the public. An Eventbrite RSVP is not required for admission and does not guarantee entry. Admission is first come, first served, so guests are encouraged to arrive early.

RSVP for the event

This event is part of a City Hall Plaza Event Series supported by the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture.