The 2010 WEARABLE ART AWARDS EXHIBITION

Written by Treasure Seeker Colleen

The Port Moody Arts Centre 2425 St. Johns Street, Port Moody, B.C. is once again hosting a fabulous display of wearable art. This has been a widely attended event since 2002 and is certainly one that will attract Olympic and Paraolympic Game visitors to the city. This year, there are 100 garments in ll locations throughout Port Moody: The Art Centre, Civic Centre, Social Rec. Centre, Cafe Divano, Curves, Van City, Pasta Polo, Shoppers Drug Mart and more. (Talk about whole community involvement!) There are 3 categories: Olympic, Canadian Spirit and Mantel, as well as a retrospective of past Wearable Art Award Winners. The artists are local and international. Many more details are available at: pomoartscentre.ca and info@pomoartscentre.ca and there is a terrific video of the 2007 show. Oh, and by the way, the Arts Centre has a great gift shop that features artist Eileen Fong and her beautiful water colours, and book as well as the work of many other artists.

There is a $2,000 prize awarded in each category and the public is invited to vote for one favourite - a very hard choice to make when every piece is so fantastic! This should be a travelling show! Would love to see a Vancouver Fashion Museum to host the exciting work of our artists and designers.

I am including photos and titles of the exhibits that I liked best in each room and grouping at the Centre. There is a detailed write up for each one, but I think you should see them in person and enjoy the cultural and creative riches for yourself. These will make your day and will remind you look beyond the stores for what could be wearable!

There are many, many more exhibits, all displayed in a beautiful Port Moody setting. This is an extraordinary example of our multicultural creative spirit and expression of support for the Olympics, here in Vancouver. Congratulations all!!

The "View From My Window" consists of views of the Fraser Valley,
from the artist's window and is about travelling to and settling in a
new land. The individual pictures provide both design and story.

"Olympic Support" showcases Canadian coins and provides
fabulous support for Canada,
the Olympics and style.

"View From My Window" is "Into The Dream Time"
in celebration of the Winter Olympics and the Canadian
North: Inuit History and Canadian Wildlife.

The Coke Dress represents Coca Cola as one of our
Olympic sponsors and shows that not only can you
drink it, but you can also wear it.

"Txa'msem Steals Back Pride" represents Northwest Coast culture
and is a Button Blanket Dress/Cloak, leggings and mask. There are
three displays in all, intricately woven, with strong, powerful colours
and a very human face and spiritual presence.

Last is Autumn Kansai, a Japanese Kimono
which features different fall scenes and is a perfect
blend of Japan and Canada.