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
In my basement I found a lonely old drop cloth with possibilities. Cutting around all the odd paint drips I had enough canvas to create this evening gown. I used some of my watercolors to saturate the fabric for the bodice. It features an invisible zipper, full lining and hand beading down the front of the bodice. The beads were from previous jewelry projects. I actually drew four different designs before deciding on this one. I felt it emphasized the intersections of color. The left shoulder design allowed for Bobbie Peters to show off a pin to coordinate with her other jewelry. I don't think a drop cloth ever looked so good! Model, Shelly Blaser. Accessory jewelry by Bobbie Peters.