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.

Jabeth Wheeler, Dress
This dress has a skirt that has utilized the common paper grocery bag. For design interest, a loose tailoring fabric similar to cheesecloth has been added as a top layer. The scrunches have been held in place by left over scrap-booking brads for a fun effect. The bodice is a reused tablecloth from Goodwill with garage sale ribbon at the waist. This dress features an exposed zipper intended for an upholstered cushion. At the back neck, you'll find a vintage button from my Grandmother and a loop made from beaded yarn. The embellishment at the neck is simply the pile of thread left over from cutting the project away from the sewing machine on a scrap of the skirt overlay with swirls of thinly cut paper bag that I curled like I would have ribbon. Who knew a paper bag could look so great! Model, Paige Reesor. Accessory jewelry by Bobbie Peters.