By: David de Young
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Two models exhibit some of the wearable art by artist Cynthia McGuirl of Thomaston, ME at Artwear in motion
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The two day exhibition and runway show—this year's theme was "Future Tense"—featured local and national designers of wearable art and was hosted by longtime arts patron Joan Mondale. Mondale, who delivered the opening remarks prior to the event's hour-long runway show, spoke to the importance of supporting the arts not only as a creator and consumer of art, but by contributing money, and just as importantly, time. Without volunteers, she said, such events would not be possible. As I watched this show transpire, my donated time helped me feel like an integral part of the event and to understand that time is sometimes more valuable when given away than when spent on your own projects; despite Sunday's beautiful weather, applying the final coat of weather-sealing to my deck could wait another week.
Several things stood out in my experience at the Textile Center exhibition. One was that the camaraderie of the participating artists was outstanding. I was staffing Anna Lee's (http://www.ruby3.com) hat display, ensuring her snazzy business cards were replenished as soon as eager browsers snatched them up. (Lee herself was backstage most of the afternoon helping to organize the runway show as one of two "garment coordinators".) Near Lee's table was Laurie Schafer's (http://laurieschafer.com). Schafer's designs range from kimonos and swing coats to halters and bustiers. Listed in the program as hailing from San Marcos, California, I believe Schafer spoke of a recent move to Spokane, WA. Schafer also had some fun by being a living model for Anna Lee's signature hat, a manificent creation which features a plume of red feathers which also appears on Lee's business card and in this photo by the artist on my head. (Could there be a modelling career in my future?)
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Hat and coat by Kay-Karol Horse Capture
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Also nearby was Kay-Karol Horse Capture of Kensington, MD, another hat designer whose hats were as artistic as they were functional. (Pictured inset is an example of her work from the runway show.) They looked both warm and snug like they'd be perfect for winters in our part of the country (she even had one called "Fargo!") It was amazing to see the changes in the people who put them on. Part of the fun of hats anyway is their power to transform the wearer.
Also nearby were Patricia Freiert of St. Peter MN and Susan Bradley (http://www.susanbradleydesigns.com) of Wayzata. Again, who would think that someone as fashion-challenged and as artistically-stunted as myself would find myself chatting pleasantly with these woman artists from around Minnesota and both coasts. Admiring Bradley's Donna Karen eyeware I actually received a compliment on my own pair of Gucci's. And it wasn't the free-flowing chardonnay that made me feel so at home.
My status as volunteer was my ticket to the runway show. I had some familiarity with a few of the artists, designers and models from the Fresh Faces Showcase at First Avenue earlier this year. I found the Textile Center runway show to be a focused and uplifting event. The music was well-chosen and ran the gambit from space jazz to ambient to Renaissance-influenced pieces (a nice change from the overly loud boom boom boom dance music you often get at runway shows.) The lighting was understated and near perfect, and the sightline from everywhere in the 200-plus-capacity auditorium of the Textile Center was more than acceptable. My metaphoric hat goes off to the organizers and coordinators of this show that saw model entrances from both sides of the room simultaneously and the only time they ran into each other was an intentional part of the show where two women bumped shoulders and turned at each other to feign catty, mean stares at each other before stomping off stage in their respective directions.
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A hand-painted dress, made entirely paper by Anna Lee
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The biggest success of the runway event was the clothing. I'm by no means a fashion connoisseur, but I feel I recognize art when I see it, and much of what I saw was exquisite. Even without live models, much of this clothing could fill a room or two of a fine art museum and would stand up by itself in a glass case or on a mannequin—though as wearable art it is meant to be worn, and was truly designed to be seen in motion.
To supplement my inadequate vocabulary when it comes to fashion, I am glad for photographs of Steven R. Wolf who captured these images of Saturday's runway show.
Click here to see a full page of Steve's photographs from the show.
And be sure to visit the Textile Center's website for more of their offerings including a library of books on textiles and fiber arts and a regular schedule of workshops, classes and lectures. And of course, volunteer opportunities!
Location Info:
Textile Center of Minnesota
Artist Info: Artwear in Motion
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