2011 Wearable Art Awards and Performance Extraordinaire!

Written by Treasure Seeker Colleen (Photography by C & C)

If you haven't been to the Wearable Arts Awards, it's time! I went for the first time last year and was bowled over by North American artists and their commitment to craft, design, recycling, culture, travel, the human journey and sharing all of this through wearable art. At the Port Moody Civic Centre, a red carpet was a fitting path for the dancing models, beautifully choreographed by Philippa Myler. Make up by Blanche MacDonald and Hair by James Blonde Salon, added a further dimension to this fabulous setting and we all had front row seats. Love that while the entries are judged by professionals from the field, there are people's choice awards too. I chatted with many attendees who were voting on Saturday but also to many others who were planning to visit the Port Moody Art Centre to get an even closer look at the exhibit before making a very difficult decision. How does one narrow the selection when every piece is fantastic? Last year I visited the exhibit at least twice, (couldn't get enough of it) and then attended the Awards Ceremony, which is on March 3, this time. This gave me an opportunity to actually meet the artists. What you will find when you attend The Wearable Art events, is that you are warmly welcomed by Andrew Danneffel, President of the Port Moody Arts Centre Society and staff. Any speeches (always concise and inspiring) reflect the high level of support from the city for Art and Artists. I really enjoyed Ann Kitching, (WA Committee Chair and moderator for this year's show) and her enthusiastic introduction and commentary that organized both the show and us.

"The Wearable Art Awards is committed to challenging artists in all media to create evocative, imaginative and though provoking sculpture for the human body", and every year, artists achieve this magnificently. The Wearable Art, for 2011 focused on recycling, honoring imagination, creativity and the ability to make the best use of what we already have and cut waste and pollution.

The materials used in the dresses, jewelry, headpieces, capes, jackets, wings, bras, structures, coats, and masks are those you would find in your everyday world but are used in vastly different ways. Consider Historical romance novel covers and bookmarks, in combination with tulle, silk organza and muslin for a Victorian silhouette, totally modern and wearable right now.

Think of only 52 Coke cans, Root Beer cans, an old house coat and foil, used in a dress with a message. (Too much pop? Recycle those cans? Be healthy? All of those and more) How about Recycled toys, ornaments, cards and teddies to " remind us of golden times gone past", memories that can be worn in two shining golden jackets - motorcycle get ready! What would you do with a foil cutter, chicken feathers, plastic bag, rayon, polyester and cotton yarns? Sharon Cahn from B.C., created a Chinook Headdress and her inspiration came from a scene in "The Loon's Necklace" a film she used in her teaching. A second headdress, also made by B.C artist, Meghan Carich is constructed of leather and raffia and represents "the beauty of night and the spirits of the forest playing "hide and seek."There are 53 awe inspiring pieces in the 2011 Wearable Art Awards Collection and I highly recommend that you see it and plan to attend or even create your own work for the next peformances on February 18 and 19, 2012! Thanks for welcoming me to the Port Moody Arts Centre and to the Wearable Art Awards for the second time. For more information visit wearableartawards.com.