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, Mint-Chocolate-Conversion (A new flavor)
Transitioning would-be trash into tangible textiles. 3M contact grip shelf liner molds itself into a vest, while an army surplus snow camouflage parka slowly evolves into pants. Curtains and muslin from dress patterns climb into the role of a shirt and old clip earrings proudly take their place as buttons on the back. A French horn strap slips quietly into a belt while the copper belt buckle shouts in triumph as it is heated and hammered out of old scrap to complete the outfit. Note: Recycled plastic folds it's limbs into the glasses.