Fashion design and ecological sensitivity will come together on April 18, when OZARTS, the U of O Art Club, and the university's Planet Club will host the first Recycled Art Fashion Show.
"Basically the idea is students create a piece of wearable art out of something that would normally be thrown away," says Elizabeth DiPaola. "It can be formal or informal, as long as it’s decent."
This competition, a first at Ozarks, is DiPaola’s brainstorm. "I came up with the idea while talking to a couple of friends who wanted to make a paper dress," she said. "I was thinking they needed a venue for this project different than the regular art or photography exhibit. While clothing design is definitely an art, it doesn’t have to be presented in the same way as a painting or sculpture. So I envisioned some kind of show that would accommodate what we were doing. I talked to Professor Tammy Harrington and other people and got unanimously good feedback, so the show is a go. We’ll have a runway with models and everything!"
DiPaola said the Art Club will be working in collaboration with U of O Planet Club. "They’re already coordinating other events during that week, which is Earth Week," she said "Anyone on campus can participate. If you don’t enter anything, you can come watch. And we need people to model the clothing!"
Art major Dereana Pfeiffer will emcee the event, and DiPaola said they are looking for judges now. "We’re also working on prizes," she said. "We’re hoping to approach SGA for some funding and/or ask for donations, but yes, one way or another, there will be prizes and trophies."
Although she figures many people won’t submit their applications until after spring break, DiPaola added, "I’ve heard a couple of people have already started on their projects. It’s important to start collecting materials now, raiding those recycle bins! It would be something to add to your resume if you’re an art student, or interested in environmental studies or fashion design. I encourage everyone to enter!"
The event will take place on April 18 at 7:00 p.m. in the Rogers Conference Room in Seay Student Center.
For further information, email Elizabeth DiPaola at edipa773@ozarks.edu or Tammy Harrington at tharring@ozarks.edu, or call Professor Harrington at (479) 979-1347.
Topics: Student Events