Sunday, March 6, 2011

Wearable Art Show in Juneau


Every year, the Wearable Art Show knocks everyone's socks off. This year - the eleventh! - was no exception. So many aspects of this creative output astonishes me. 

It isn't just the work itself - the extraordinary labor that goes into the clothing. The beadwork in this outfit - top and bottom - took five solid months to complete. Look at it. The skirt is made entirely of bugle beads!

Nor is it the playful thought that underlays what people create. The theme of this year's show was "Illuminate." And this ethereal angel is made entirely out of the pages of "rational" science books.

And it isn't even the inventiveness that takes our collective breath away. In this ensemble, Alaskan Brewing Company beer bottle caps cover her bustier, cuffs, crown and although you can't see it, her lighted back piece.


It is all of these aspects of the show that make it extraordinary plus a playfulness that these young people have in spades in their duct tape underwear.

One of the best parts of the show is its inclusiveness. It is an all ages show. And when you encourage young people to use their creative gifts in a way that affirms them by the whole community, you have a place where everyone can flourish.

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