18th Annual Wearable Art and Runway Fashion Show returning to Palmer Depot Saturday

PALMER — The Valley Arts Alliance is hosting its 18th Annual Wearable Art and Runway Fashion Show at the Palmer Depot Saturday, Feb. 17.

The Wearable Art Show is a chance for local artists to express their creativity by showcasing handmade outfits.

Artists utilize their knowledge of color, fabric and non-traditional materials to create one-of-a-kind garments.

Some artists model their own creations while others have someone else show them off during the event. Entries are viewed by audience members as models walk down a fashion runway accompanied by narration and music.

The theme for this year's event is "Fly-Away," which is open to interpretation and limited only to each participants' creative inspiration.

VAA Executive Director Carmen Summerfield said that she always gets excited to witness the wide variety of unique fashion creations. She noted that they announce next year's theme during the event to give people time to plan accordingly.

"Every year it's amazing to see what people come up with," Summerfield said.

Summerfield said the Wearable Art Show is one of their largest events and all ages and backgrounds are welcome to participate.

The VAA's tagline is: "bringing the community together through the arts."

The 2024 Wearable Art Show features two exhibitions, a matinee at 3 p.m. and an evening performance at 7 p.m.

Admission is $15. Children 12 and under are admitted for free. Tickets can be purchased at Fireside Books and Non-Essentials in downtown Palmer as well as the Gathering Grounds Café in downtown Wasilla.

Those interested in viewing archived photos of past Wearable Art Show events can do so by visiting valleyartsalliance.com/archives.

The Valley Arts Alliance is a local nonprofit that puts on a variety of events and activities that promotes creativity and self-expression.

The VAA Meets every Thursday at Sophia's Cafe at 11 a.m. They also hold an Art Meets Recycling meeting every Saturday at Valley Community Recycling Solutions at 1 p.m.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com