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.

Patricia Plasko, Color Silk Explosion
Ruby is wearing colorful silk paisley print pants, originally pajamas, re-hemmed in red silk. A camisole and shorty short lingerie set is cut and spliced to make a red silk tunic. Both are topped off with a vintage orange rayon jacquard kimono robe - with a label that reads: "Made in Japan Expressly for Saks 34th". The robe, dramatically different from it's original state, features appliqued silk swirls that echo the pant print, and create an organic flowing hem, while center lapels and neck have been ruched for texture. All garment pieces were found at Good Will stores. Head piece by felting artist Dawn Edwards. Jewelry by artist Karen Matson.