THE GREEN SHOW – Recycle, Repurpose, Reuse

Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo Gallery, Epic Center – September 2011
The Epic Center Green Exhibit included a FASHION SHOW and ARTIST'S MARKET. The theme
of this event was recycle, repurpose, reuse. Artists were asked to create new work(s) based on bits and pieces
of existing materials and to work in an environmentally friendly manner – materials, techniques, themes.

As Curator of this Event, I invited five area designers to each create two garments for the FASHION SHOW.
The evening of the Art Hop these garments were worn by models who interacted with the public –
a kind of “live manikin” approach. There was also a market area set up for designers to sell related work,
and at seven o'clock, there was a performance event in the WellSpring Theater which included a dance/music
presentation and a FASHION SHOW. Live music was created for the event by FINETUNING. – Maryellen Hains

Show Statement.

Sally June Newton, Nomura's Jellyfish (Scientific name Medusozoa)
Giving cast-aways new character. Bath loofa and electrical wire get tangled, and become a skirt. A dress falling apart, gutted shoulder pads and a hem ripped from an old stage costume whirl around and tumble into an embellished underdress. Family costume pearls from nights past have an affair with avocado netting, they are inseparable. Out of old copper from a Kalamazoo penthouse project emerges as a lovely rose for the hat. In the finale, chair upholstery waves it's wand and transforms into a clutch, accessorizing the outfit.