Art award entries open

Entries for the 2012 Wearable Creationz event, the Rotorua based charitable wearable arts style fashion show, are now open.

Designers have until June to prepare their creations for the Rotorua Wearable Creations ’n Colour Awards in August, a showcase for the talent of budding fashion designers from throughout the Bay of Plenty region.

Last year’s Supreme Award winner, “Line Me Up”, designer Zoe Stephenson from Rotorua.

The original idea behind the Wearable Creationz came about when three people put on a style fashion show to raise money for a group of South African musicians and orphans, stranded in New Zealand after a performing prgramme went wrong.

Rotorua Creative Art Trust chairperson Barbara Cook says the event has made a significant impact on the community.

The event celebrates the creativity of communities and helps build the confidence and self-esteem of many young people in particular.

The event will continue to make a difference for young people and the wider region for many more years, says Barbara.

Entries last year came from Papamoa, Rotorua, Tokoroa, Whakatane, Taupo and Hamilton.

“Wearable Creationz has become an important vehicle to showcase the talent of hundreds of people in our local communities and particularly the talents of our young people.

“Wearable Creationz gives them a forum to develop their confidence and self-esteem, and every year we see them develop and really shine in front of their friends, family and wider community.”

Trustees are always amazed by the designs and the personal transformation some of the young people make during the competition, says Barbara.

“We remember one girl in particular who found it difficult to make eye contact with us when we first visited her school, yet her ideas were fantastic.

“She just needed support to get her creation to a point where she could continue on her own and it was such an achievement for her.”

Entries for this year’s show are now open and close on Monday, June 18.

Pre-judging with start in early August, with rehearsals on August 14 and 15.

The full show will be held over three days, August 16, 17 and 18.

For more information on the event visit www.wearablecreationz.co.nz