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The 19th Annual VAA Wearable Art and Runway Fashion Show WAS A SUCCESS!
Xander
Local guitar phenom, 14 year old Xander Markewich, introduced the show with a rockin' music medley.
Photos by John Ondogo
Photos by John Ondogo
Hillary & Becky
Hillary Saffran and Becky McLaughlin served as Masters of Ceremony. Both performances were sold out!
A Tribute to Linda Lockhart
Designed and created by Linda Lockhart. Modeled by friends of the Valley Arts Alliance.
Raven The Trickster
Designed and created by Tamora Harding-Childs, modeled by Claire Childs.
From historical world mythology to Alaska's traditional stories, the Raven hails from the skies as messengers of the Gods and as the Tricksters. This creation is an artistic blast from the past made of recycled plastics & organic material, modeled by Claire bustin' a move!
From historical world mythology to Alaska's traditional stories, the Raven hails from the skies as messengers of the Gods and as the Tricksters. This creation is an artistic blast from the past made of recycled plastics & organic material, modeled by Claire bustin' a move!
Garden to the Sea
Designed and created by Diana Bland. Modeled by Amelia Buzby and Hadley Scott.
From Sea to Shining Sea and all the gardens and forests in between. Imagine our magnificent Earth without 190 million tons of single use plastics or 92 million tons of clothing in our landfills.
From Sea to Shining Sea and all the gardens and forests in between. Imagine our magnificent Earth without 190 million tons of single use plastics or 92 million tons of clothing in our landfills.
Construction Couture
Designed and created by Crystal Dermer. Modeled by Willow York.
This dress brings the worksite to life, transforming materials left over or discarded from job sites into something truly fabulous. Made from recycled raincoats and safety vests, it’s a bold statement on sustainability and creativity in fashion.
This dress brings the worksite to life, transforming materials left over or discarded from job sites into something truly fabulous. Made from recycled raincoats and safety vests, it’s a bold statement on sustainability and creativity in fashion.
Mechanism 7000 (Mech)
Original character and costume designed by Zelda Burkhart, with assembly help from mom, Briley Amberg.
Beach Time
Designed and Created by Sandra McMillian and Colleen Wake. Modeled by Sandra McMillian.
Inspired by crashing waves and sand between your toes. Imagine a trip to the beach enjoying a sunshiny day and the white caps on the water.
Inspired by crashing waves and sand between your toes. Imagine a trip to the beach enjoying a sunshiny day and the white caps on the water.
Seatbelt Safety Queens
Designed and created by Sherri Bauer. Modeled by Sherri Bauer, Jana Drake, and Stefanie Tomasino.
Did you know that more than 50% of deaths in car accidents are from not wearing a seatbelt? We are the Seatbelt Safety Queens! We also represent Mrs. America Super Pageant—Sherri as Mrs. Alaska, Stefanie as Ms. Alaska, and Jana as Mrs. Alaska Classic.
Our passion is putting safety first in our community, starting with seatbelts. Each dress is handmade using both new and repurposed seatbelts, with Palmer Fire and Rescue generously donating the used ones.
Buckle up—someone is waiting for you. Think of it as a seatbelt hug from your favorite car, welcoming you safely to your destination.
Did you know that more than 50% of deaths in car accidents are from not wearing a seatbelt? We are the Seatbelt Safety Queens! We also represent Mrs. America Super Pageant—Sherri as Mrs. Alaska, Stefanie as Ms. Alaska, and Jana as Mrs. Alaska Classic.
Our passion is putting safety first in our community, starting with seatbelts. Each dress is handmade using both new and repurposed seatbelts, with Palmer Fire and Rescue generously donating the used ones.
Buckle up—someone is waiting for you. Think of it as a seatbelt hug from your favorite car, welcoming you safely to your destination.
Present
Designed and Created by Michelle Carroll; Modeled by Katherine Carroll
With the help of her Mother, Katherine designed and is modeling her own creation.
With the help of her Mother, Katherine designed and is modeling her own creation.
Palmer 1935
Designed and created by Bea Adler. Modeled by Keith and Georgia Barkwood and Aiden Watson.
This year, the Palmer Historical Society is celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Matanuska Colony. In May of 1935, 203 families arrived at the Palmer Train Depot, leaving behind drought-ridden farms in the Upper Midwest. They had been selected to become residents of the Matanuska Colony, a Depression-era recovery project designed to create a cooperative farming community in the fertile Matanuska Valley.
Not long after their arrival, the Colonists were singing The Matanuska Valley Song, written by H.J. Lechner, superintendent of the Experiment Station, and set to the tune of My Darling Nellie Gray.
This year, the Palmer Historical Society is celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Matanuska Colony. In May of 1935, 203 families arrived at the Palmer Train Depot, leaving behind drought-ridden farms in the Upper Midwest. They had been selected to become residents of the Matanuska Colony, a Depression-era recovery project designed to create a cooperative farming community in the fertile Matanuska Valley.
Not long after their arrival, the Colonists were singing The Matanuska Valley Song, written by H.J. Lechner, superintendent of the Experiment Station, and set to the tune of My Darling Nellie Gray.
Cold As Ice
Designed and Created by Sandra McMillian and Colleen Wake. Modeled by Zoe Lewis.
A winter scene photo backdrop where sunshine abounds is made into an elegant evening gown draped with a winter wall scene setter and frosted white ribbon trim. Headpiece made of Christmas icicle decorations. Shoes are dyed and then adored with frosted glitter.
A winter scene photo backdrop where sunshine abounds is made into an elegant evening gown draped with a winter wall scene setter and frosted white ribbon trim. Headpiece made of Christmas icicle decorations. Shoes are dyed and then adored with frosted glitter.
The Rose Gold Knight
Designed, created, and modeled by Peter Nicholson
Caribbean Beta Splendens
Designed and Created by Sandra McMillian and Colleen Wake. Modeled by Sandra McMillian
This outfit is inspired by free flowing Koi or Beta Fish with their many layers of fins. It was started with a retired wedding dress and children’s iridescent skirt. The dress was Cut and dyed in sections.
This Costume was inspired by the free flowing movements of their fins. These aquarist fish with big personalities and brightly colored markings are known as Labyrinth Fish. During acts of Intimidation the Betta flare their gill cover to appear larger and more threatening.
This outfit is inspired by free flowing Koi or Beta Fish with their many layers of fins. It was started with a retired wedding dress and children’s iridescent skirt. The dress was Cut and dyed in sections.
This Costume was inspired by the free flowing movements of their fins. These aquarist fish with big personalities and brightly colored markings are known as Labyrinth Fish. During acts of Intimidation the Betta flare their gill cover to appear larger and more threatening.
Wearable Art
Designed and Created by Colleen Wake. Modeled by Sierra Wake
Inspired by her love of Impressionist Monet and Van Gogh. The outfit is hand painted with acrylic paints. The skirt brings to mind Monet's gardens in Giverny France. While the top is a nod to Vincent Van Gogh's "Starry Night".
Busting through a portrait of herself, Sierra brings this painting to life. And a fresh feeling of spring to come.
Inspired by her love of Impressionist Monet and Van Gogh. The outfit is hand painted with acrylic paints. The skirt brings to mind Monet's gardens in Giverny France. While the top is a nod to Vincent Van Gogh's "Starry Night".
Busting through a portrait of herself, Sierra brings this painting to life. And a fresh feeling of spring to come.
Flowers
Designed and created by Jana Drake;
Modeled by Sherri Bauer and Stefanie Tomasino
Poppy Dress: This dress is made with plastic table coverings and paper cups. When the day is overwhelming, the sight of a poppy flower will bring a sense that everything will be filled with warmth and beauty.
Forget-me-not dress: This fun, sassy dress is made with paper plates and napkins. A Forget-me-not brings renewal followed with memories of loved ones that are finding their way to say "Hi, I will always be with you". These two beauty queens aren't worried about the weeds they just bloom.
Modeled by Sherri Bauer and Stefanie Tomasino
Poppy Dress: This dress is made with plastic table coverings and paper cups. When the day is overwhelming, the sight of a poppy flower will bring a sense that everything will be filled with warmth and beauty.
Forget-me-not dress: This fun, sassy dress is made with paper plates and napkins. A Forget-me-not brings renewal followed with memories of loved ones that are finding their way to say "Hi, I will always be with you". These two beauty queens aren't worried about the weeds they just bloom.
A Jazz Baby and her Jazz Baby
Designed, Created, and Modeled by Ginny and Kate Lawton
The Roaring 20’s. An era of bobbed hair, hemlines that rose to just below the knee, the Charleston. In fact, we might call it the “Over-the -Top-20’s,” for at the time, the changes to women’s fashions and lifestyles were totally new, daring, and audacious.
In this entry Ginny and Kate Lawton pay homage to a well-loved era, and to their original “Jazz Baby” mother and grandmother Kitty Butler, born 100 years ago in 1925. Ginny’s silk and lace 1920’s dress is an heirloom, thanks to her grandmother, the original Cabaret-er. Although Kate’s dress is more modern, it’s reminiscent of the era, and her beads, worn by her great-grandmother, date to the era.
The Roaring 20’s. An era of bobbed hair, hemlines that rose to just below the knee, the Charleston. In fact, we might call it the “Over-the -Top-20’s,” for at the time, the changes to women’s fashions and lifestyles were totally new, daring, and audacious.
In this entry Ginny and Kate Lawton pay homage to a well-loved era, and to their original “Jazz Baby” mother and grandmother Kitty Butler, born 100 years ago in 1925. Ginny’s silk and lace 1920’s dress is an heirloom, thanks to her grandmother, the original Cabaret-er. Although Kate’s dress is more modern, it’s reminiscent of the era, and her beads, worn by her great-grandmother, date to the era.
My Framed Life
Designed, Created and Modeled by Jana Drake.
Art is everywhere, in our everyday life. I love to paint. I don’t have time to paint as much as I would like. So here I am doing what I love, a little painting, a little passion for art and a lot of sass to splash art in my “framed life”.
Art is everywhere, in our everyday life. I love to paint. I don’t have time to paint as much as I would like. So here I am doing what I love, a little painting, a little passion for art and a lot of sass to splash art in my “framed life”.
A Jewelry Box
Designed, Created, and Modeled by Willow York.
The dress’s jewels are made up of discarded jewelry that was broken down little by little. This dress envisions an image of a box full of jewelry. Willow is sponsored by The Art Cafe located right here in Palmer. These jewels will be used again after the Show, at the Art Cafe, by Willow, since she works there!
The dress’s jewels are made up of discarded jewelry that was broken down little by little. This dress envisions an image of a box full of jewelry. Willow is sponsored by The Art Cafe located right here in Palmer. These jewels will be used again after the Show, at the Art Cafe, by Willow, since she works there!
Ocean of Innocence
Designed and created by Audra Reger. Modeled by Rozlynn and Wesley Reger, Josie, Abigail, and Zachary Flack.
Step into a world of wonder, where the innocence of childhood meets the freedom of the ocean. These pieces represent more than just sea creatures—they embody playful spirit, unrestrained imagination, and the whimsical joy of being a child. As they move, the jellyfish forms sway gently, mimicking the carefree bobbing of creatures drifting along ocean currents.
Shimmering fabrics and soft, fluid designs create an enchanting visual narrative, inviting viewers to reconnect with the boundless creativity and simple delight of childhood. Each piece radiates a sense of innocence and exploration, evoking the timeless joy of daydreams and the endless possibilities of youth.
Step into a world of wonder, where the innocence of childhood meets the freedom of the ocean. These pieces represent more than just sea creatures—they embody playful spirit, unrestrained imagination, and the whimsical joy of being a child. As they move, the jellyfish forms sway gently, mimicking the carefree bobbing of creatures drifting along ocean currents.
Shimmering fabrics and soft, fluid designs create an enchanting visual narrative, inviting viewers to reconnect with the boundless creativity and simple delight of childhood. Each piece radiates a sense of innocence and exploration, evoking the timeless joy of daydreams and the endless possibilities of youth.
Scarlet Siren
Designed, Created, and Modeled by Corry Diephof
This is a Red Mermaid inspired gown, upcycled and made with new fabrics . There are over 750 silk rose petals that make the tail potion of this gown. It has a tail train fit for a sea goddess. Paired with it is a sheer cloak adorned with pearls and designs . This ensemble is complete with a crown of shells and pearls . This piece represents a fiery siren rising from the sea of struggle!
This is a Red Mermaid inspired gown, upcycled and made with new fabrics . There are over 750 silk rose petals that make the tail potion of this gown. It has a tail train fit for a sea goddess. Paired with it is a sheer cloak adorned with pearls and designs . This ensemble is complete with a crown of shells and pearls . This piece represents a fiery siren rising from the sea of struggle!
Overcast January
Designed and Created by Barbara Andrist. Modeled by Lena Niekamp
This piece was influenced by our lack of snow during our windswept January. Gray skies loomed low, casting a dreamy muted light over the landscape. While a steady drizzle fell turning everything slick and slippery. The rain was relentless and over the top!
This piece was influenced by our lack of snow during our windswept January. Gray skies loomed low, casting a dreamy muted light over the landscape. While a steady drizzle fell turning everything slick and slippery. The rain was relentless and over the top!
Rebels With a Cause
Designed and Created by Elsie LeDoux. Modeled by Lindsey Kaufman, Ava Vosberg and Aubrey Bombini.
Graffiti is Back! Saving the Earth, their work is not done yet. We want to increase awareness of the alarming decline of our rain forests, bees, butterflies, wildflowers, salmon and all manner of sea life, the cause and effect we have, and actions we can take to mitigate the damage.
Graffiti is Back! Saving the Earth, their work is not done yet. We want to increase awareness of the alarming decline of our rain forests, bees, butterflies, wildflowers, salmon and all manner of sea life, the cause and effect we have, and actions we can take to mitigate the damage.
Tip Of The Hat
Designed, Created and Modeled by Colleen Wake.
A bright assault on the eyes. Neon orange, lime green and hot pink, make up this oversized hat. What can only be described as chaos becomes high fashion when you mix all this together. Using fake fur, leather and a healthy dose of imagination results in a Tip of the hat through the tulips.
A bright assault on the eyes. Neon orange, lime green and hot pink, make up this oversized hat. What can only be described as chaos becomes high fashion when you mix all this together. Using fake fur, leather and a healthy dose of imagination results in a Tip of the hat through the tulips.
Rebels With A Cause 2
Designed and Created by Elsie Ledoux. Modeled by Sara Helgoe, Crimzine Miller and Jazmin Gonzales
Rebels are back!
Their work is never done.
We wanted to increase awareness of the rapid decline of our rain forests, bees, butterflies, wildflowers, salmon and all manner of sea life, the impact we have, and what we can do to mitigate the damage.
Rebels are back!
Their work is never done.
We wanted to increase awareness of the rapid decline of our rain forests, bees, butterflies, wildflowers, salmon and all manner of sea life, the impact we have, and what we can do to mitigate the damage.
Calendar
Thursday @ 11AM: Weekly Meeting
Our weekly Thursday @ 11 meeting will be at Sophia's Cafe, 9191 E Frontage Road, P-W Hwy.
Saturday @ 1PM: Art Meets Recycling
Our weekly Saturday @ 1 Art Meets Recycling Get-Together will be at VCRS Recycling Center, 9465 E. Chanlyut Circle, Palmer.
Wearable Art
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