Valley Arts Alliance gearing up for 14th annual Wearable Art Show, still seeking entries

PALMER— The Valley Arts Alliance is gearing up for its 14th annual VAA Wearable Art and Runway Fashion Show at the Palmer Depot next Saturday, February 15.

There are still open slots for 2020 entries, according to VAA Executive Director Carmen Summerfield. She said those interested in applying this year need to send their submission by Friday, February 7.

Participants utilize an array of recycled items to create their costumes. They use whatever they can get their hands on to create a one of kind outfit based on a theme. They typically pick up materials from the Valley Community Recycling Solutions or sort through things they find around the house.

“You may have everything already,” Summerfield said.

Each model comes up with their own theme, ranging from tributes to classic movies or literature to completely original concepts. There’s often a local flair among the entrant’s creations.

“You can start with a garment you don’t mind sacrificing. So that’s a good base and you can put anything on that. Hot glue is always good,” Summerfield said with a laugh. “You don’t have to be a seamstress, either.”

Entrants are encouraged to go full throttle with ingenuity and unconventionality for this show. Attendees never really know what to expect since the creative pool in the community is limitless, according to Summerfield.

“It’s amazing what people come up with every year,” Summerfield said. It gets better and better each year.

The Wearable Art Show was one of the Valley Arts Alliance’s first major events. It’s one of their biggest gatherings of the year. Summerfield said the event has stayed true to the Alliance’s vision to “bring the community together through the arts.”

“Being on the runway, it’s good to get out of your comfort zone sometimes. So that would be good because the audience is very loving and forgiving,” Summerfield said.

This creative, community-driven extravaganza will have two showings next Saturday, a matinee at 3 p.m. and an evening show at 7 p.m. Children under 12 are admitted for free during the 3 p.m. show.

Tickets are available at Fireside Books and Nonessentials in Palmer and at the Gathering Grounds Cafe in Wasilla. Admission is $15.

For more information, visit valleyartsalliance.com. Those looking to enter can email their applications to carmen@valleyartsalliance.com.

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