Saskatchewan Wearable Art Gala 2022
The 4th edition of the Wearable Art Gala took place on November 12, 2022 in Saskatoon as part of the Saskatchewan Fashion Weekend. It was a co-presentation by the Saskatchewan Fashion Association Inc, Wiebe Works and The Jack Millikin Centre.
Artists from around the World were invited to submit works of wearable art which were unveiled in a fabulous fashion show setting. The only constraint was that submitted works of art HAS TO BE WEARABLE. These wearable art pieces were then paired with visual artwork submitted by Saskatchewan artists.
The theme for this year's event was 'transformation'. The submitted works explored how art and fashion speak to and transform each other.
The 1st Saskatchewan Wearable Art Gala was hosted in Saskatoon as a fundraiser for the Jack Millikin Centre in 2013! That’s right – 9 years ago! The 3 people who brought that unique vision to life for the very first time are Arnfinn Prugger, Lindsey Embree and Carlie Letts.
How many of you ever been to Ness Creek?
For those of you who have, then you know - and for those of you who haven’t, you really really should! The Ness Creek Site is nestled in the beautiful boreal forest and has been the home of the Ness Creek Music Festival for over 30 years! Throughout the course of those 30 years other arts, culture and ecological groups began using the site for their programming as well and, as I am sure you can all imagine, things started to get quite busy up at Ness Creek, especially when you’re only working with the few nice, warm months we get here in Saskatchewan.
So a dream developed, to have a 4 season event space at Ness Creek so that all of the wonderful programming that was taking place there, by all these different non-profit organizations, could continue throughout the entire year, even when it’s terribly cold out, like today.
9 years ago, when the founding organizers for the event were planning the very first Wearable Art Gala, the Jack Millikin Centre Board was dreaming, planning and fundraising to design and build the centre. Today that centre exists and it is truly a gorgeous space dedicated to arts, culture, ecology and community. There are many Jack Millikin Centre volunteers involved in the Sask Fashion Weekend, not just at tonight’s gala, and I encourage you to chat with any of them about the Centre and get more information.
The art you see here are made from local Saskatchewan artists. We are so excited to showcase them all! You will see works from 24 artists, as well as captured performances by Dance Ink and a performance by Zoe Pravda, and Annalise Reinhart.
Opening the show is artist Jolene Dusyk; her piece is titled “Carmen’s Other Side”. Carmen is hardworking, overall wearing, runs-on-coffee-and-no-sleep, lady. She, is a large animal vet. No frills aloud. But, she has a love of the feminine, the pettiness, the softer, other side. This piece is made completely utilitarian made for its strength and stability can transform into such a thing of gentle beauty. This dress is for you Carmen.
The visual accompanying this piece are by “Garden Rhapsody” by JoAnn Marie. 28” x 36”/Mixed Media on Stretched Canvas
The beauty and celebration of a garden are captured for JoAnn when she paints and plays with bright colours. There is something magical that happens when using batik fabric to represent the colours and transition that happens in nature. It’s like a beautiful, colourful dance. The batiks used in this painting are JoAnn’s fabric of choice. They make her feel alive!
Next up we have “Beautiful Chaos” Melissa Squire
Seemingly organized and aesthetically pleasing, delightfully chaotic and a splendid mess.” How to describe what’s in my head, the organization of my mind, my thoughts, the calculated chaos that runs life as I know it.”
Built from an eclectic arrangement of memories, teachings and experiences. Influenced by relationships, travel, passion, nature and adventure. All the randomness wrapped tightly into a beautiful crown of crazy.
This piece is accompanied by “Sundance” by Harley Sinclair. 24"x48"/Acrylic on stretched canvas
Having an eye for the extraordinary, Harley will not hesitate to pull over, grab his camera and wait for the right moment that will eventually become a beautiful work of art. Sundance lives up to its name as the cold fury of a passing storm cloud dances with the warm, safe rays of the setting sun.
Next up we have Susan Clark’s - Silverado Jacket
This Silverado Coat features a prairie falcon relentlessly pursuing its toughest prey, a red Chevrolet Silverado truck. Sound and light effects are the roar of the truck’s engine and its piercing headlights, ending with the triumph of the prairie falcon with its Silverado quarry. Evolved in a harsh dry climate, the prairie falcon is aggressive and opportunistic as a truck hunter.
Accompanying this piece is “King in the Clouds” by Valerie Wiebe. 14” x 14”/Acrylic on Baltic Birch Panel.
King in the Clouds is a composite image, based on a description of an experience her son had while watching a prairie sunset. The lofty perspective gives a clearer understanding of the vastness of the prairie landscape and our tiny presence within it.
Next up we have “Pieces of Scarlett” by Sofie Dusyk
There are so many things you can do with paper, but I decided to transform it into a dress. The little pieces of paper symbolize how someone making small acts of kindness can make them into a kind, stronger person. When you do little acts of kindness, it may be small to you but huge to others. Every piece of paper on the dress is a reminder of all those little kind actions and words that can transform someone into a beautiful person.
On the visuals you will see “Fire Tree” by JoAnn Marie. 23.5” x 31/ Mixed Media on Stretched Canvas
The explosion of colour and shape in this painting was one of pure joy as it took shape, layer by layer. The transition from the bare canvas, to what you see now was an experimental and exciting process. It started with a simple tree shape but eventually took on a life of its own, as trees do.
Our next piece is “She Will Win” by Spinheartspin
As human beings, we leave many marks on this earth. Towering structures, monuments to our powers. We build great civilizations, leaving destruction in our wake. We consider ourselves omni powerful, while forgetting that this earth, this orb we call home, is the most powerful entity of all. She will remain after we are gone, and transform our concrete jungles into life giving gardens, forest, and meadows. (please take a beat here)
The structure of the bodice is created with foam floor mat remnants, a non- biodegradable, non-renewable resource. This is the representation of the mark we leave on this earth. The flowers, leaves, vines, are all created individually, by hand with biodegradable, renewable resources, some of which would be considered waste: used paper towel, parchment paper used multiple times in the dyeing process, and a few forms of silk. This is the representation of the way Mother nature would grow, degrade and renew long after humans have left this earth.
On the visuals you will see “Ave Marie” by Janalyn Renee. Watercolor on Paper
Inspired by her Grandma Cora, whose room was suddenly filled with the scent of roses as she was dying. The second she was gone so was the aroma. Blue roses are a sign of Mother Mary, and are rare and so was Janalyn’s grandmother. The rest of the bright, sparkly, florals show her beautiful and energetic spirit.
Next, we have “Water Dress”, by Shelley Kaszefski of Hybrid Art & Design
Water Dress expresses the beauty of water's reflective qualities, flow, and buoyancy.
Her passion for upcycling made my choice of using discarded water bottles appropriate for this piece.
Accompanying this piece is visual work “Still Water”. By Valerie Wiebe 17” x 17”/Acrylic on Birch Panel
On a trip to Toronto, Valerie was inspired by a visit to Center Island to enjoy a lovely day in the park and the gardens. She came across this serene scene, and thought, “Ah, calm waters, you soothe my wild thoughts and busy thinking.” Water is life, literally.
Next we have “Fancy Goldfish Fishbowl Clutch & Fancy Goldfish Uchiwa Hair Pin” by AppleDainty
Goldfish are a popular summertime motif for traditional Japanese kanzashi hair accessories, which this artist interpreted in two ways. The first piece features an oversized hair pin with a fancy goldfish on the backdrop of a uchiwa fan - a very standard presentation for this motif. Less standard is the second piece, a clutch purse that the artist transformed from a plain, clear shell into a piece of wearable art that plays both on the idea of a bubble floating in the water, and a fish bowl.
These pieces are accompanied by visual art “Grace” By Janalyn Renee. 10” x 7”/Watercolor on Paper/Framed
One of the first pieces created by Janalyn, the intention was to just start painting. Stop thinking and just paint. Let it flow. And experience the flow of grace. Those are always the ones that turn out the best.
Next, we have “Visage Mirage” by Emily Johnson
"Face pareidolia is the tendency to recognize faces in everyday objects. This was the inspiration for Emily Johnson’s wearable art piece, “The Visage Mirage,” a ball gown made of satin with many folds and creases. Upon close inspection, the viewer may begin to see faces in the texture. This phenomenon may be amusingly applied to everyday objects, for instance the surprised electrical outlet on the wall or the man in the moon. However, it can also take form in a more sinister perspective. In the dark, tired hours of the morning, faces reveal themselves easily in the piles of clothing abandoned in the corners of the room. Many people, both with and without dirty laundry, have witnessed this abstract transformation of innocent objects into waking nightmares. The time may come to face your fears and those fears may have faces."
This piece is accompanied by visual work “Conflict/Resolution”. By Harley Sinclair. 20” x 20”/Acrylic on Stretched Canvas
Waiting to capture what he feels our inner struggles could appear like, Harley created this work using two familiar, strong colours. Intending the piece to be rotated and hung with either red or blue dominating this piece, it really does capture the battle.
It gives me great pleasure to introduce our next artist of the evening with the piece “Metal Cape” by Kathy Allen of 5000 Keys
Inspired by UK sculptor Ann Carrington's magic carpets; this piece was created from a variety of found and upcycled objects. The Metal Cape is made with copper tubing, piano wire, copper rings, give-away key rings, found objects, and many defunct office keys. Creator Kathy Allen is fascinated with using unwanted objects to make art. This piece includes ten keys in Kathy's 5000 Keys project. The large collar forms the top of Key 2508 on the back of the cape.
This is accompanied by visual piece “There is a Pattern in Everything”. By Valerie Wiebe. 30” x 30”/Acrylic and Gold Leaf on Birch Panel.
Nature is amazing and incredibly resilient. Yet we only put ourselves in danger when we do not acknowledge with our actions and with respect that everything is connected and that there is a pattern that runs through all of it--including us.
“Spectacle of Water” by artists Alison Norlen andYvonne Musey Johnson
Transformation occurs throughout the body when water is ingested. The human body consists of approximately 60 percent water and it is a necessary source of survival for all living species. Water is also one of the Earth’s most precious elements that we must preserve and protected. Through the use of welded stainless steel wire and hollow glass beads, the fountain here transforms the body into an architectural spectacle.
This piece is accompanied by visual work “Flourishing”. By Valerie Wiebe. 17.5” x 17.5”/Acrylic and Pyrography on Baltic Birch Panel.
In nature, when the rain comes down, the earth brings forth all its beauty and bounty. So, when wisdom rains down, which is our ability to discern what is right and good, then we are liberated from ignorance and illusion and we can truly begin to flourish.
Next we have “Embellished Jean Jacket” by Kathy Allen of 5000 Keys
This sale rack find started out as a black jean jacket and has been transformed with purple dye and the addition of 10 "keys" and other bits made from upcycled jewelry, found objects, metal bits, beads, rhinestones, and other shiny things. The large key on the back of the jacket is Key 2501 in artist Kathy Allen's 5000 Keys project.
This piece is accompanied by visual work “Along The Road” By Valerie Wiebe. 17” x 17”/Acrylic, pyrography & embroidery on Paper & Birch Panel
A new series, “A Golden Thread” explores and draws attention to the connections that exist in everything. The recognition of these connections is key to our survival as a species.
Next we have “Garden of Growth” by Raina Haus, designer, age sixteen
As humans there are learned truths and realizations that we figuratively gather and “wear” as we grow up. As we navigate the complexities of who we are, who we aspire to be, who society sees us as, and who others want us to be - the youth perspective can be a complex, colourful and unpredictable journey of transformation.
This piece is accompanied by “Circle Transition”. By JoAnn Marie. 33 1/2” x 44 1/2”/Mixed Media on Stretched Canvas
This painting is a piece of the artist’s soul. It was completed over a period of time in JoAnn’s life when everything was changing. It helped her to transition from teaching others to learning from art herself. Even the background uses the transition of the colours of the rainbow and how they meld into one another. The tree holds everything together. Everything is connected, but nothing stays the same.
Next we have “Cherry Blossoms” and “Butterflies Flutter Earring” and “Shoulder Vine” by Apple Dainty
This cherry blossom and butterfly earring and matching shoulder piece are a play on the concept of transformation in more than one way. Butterflies are one of the most enduring symbols of transformation, and cherry blossoms have long been associated with the changing seasons. However, these pieces also seek to transform the idea of how tsumami zaiku, a silk folding technique heavily associated with the creation of hair accessories, should be applied. Through these pieces the, the artist seeks to evoke the feel of kanzashi hair accessories, with flowing strands and sparkling details, but present them in a form that isn't worn on or in the hair.
The second model is wearing “Wisteria Halo Headband” by AppleDainty
If the previous pieces were created to show how tsumami zaiku technique can be applied to more than just hair accessories, this piece was created to express the idea that you can still wear beautiful kanzashi with short hair or none at all. Continuing the artist's reinterpretation of traditional motifs, this piece takes standard form of the wisteria kanzashi - a cone shaped bunch of draping petals on a single hair pin - and presents it instead as an ethereal halo. This piece features tendrils of wisteria petals and foliage that drape from golden lattices, and a pair shimmering butterflies that evoke again the concept of transformation.
These pieces are accompanied by visual work “Pastel Kisses”. By Janalyn Renee. 5” x 7”/Watercolor on Paper/Framed
The soft color palette and the barely there flowers was the intention behind this painting. Allowing the colours to flow allowed for the formation of this piece to come together organically, as nature intended.
Alright moving along, we have another piece by SS River Designs named “TORN”
This piece is a reflection of the emergence of the inner creative in each of us. Christine was influenced by her own personal experience of renewed artistic expression. The artist believes that a positive that resulted of the Covid pandemic was the strong reconnection to art, culture and personal passion that many people experienced. From the front, this look represents a business like appearance with only a small expression of a personal creativity. The back represents the effect following then pandemic. The back of the jacket appears to be ‘torn away’ revealing the persons true artistic and cultural reflection. The back of the garment is hand beaded onto wool melton by Christine in Metis style floral beadwork, a traditional art. The back of the skirt is embellished with brightly coloured fabrics that were digitally printed with photos of Christine’s Metis beadwork, a modern use of traditional beadwork. Christine hopes to achieve an inspiring of people to reconnect with their inner artist.
This is accompanied by visual work “Celebration” by JoAnn Marie. 24” x 34”/Mixed Media on unstretched canvas
“Celebration” is the second painting in a series about strong and beautiful women. This painting is about JoAnn’s journey of breaking free from a patriarchal society, and celebrating the wonder and joy of being a strong beautiful woman.
Next up, we are excited to introduce you to “Curated Nostalgia” by Anamorphique
Anastasia had this idea archived until the necessary materials had been collected, and is so glad it’s time has finally come. Saving every scrap of leftover material from the making of her fashion collections became part of her sustainable creative practice. This hybrid biker-suit jacket is truly rags to riches, made with tweed handwoven on the refurbished family loom from those scraps. The resulting fabric is given the couture treatment - crafted into a garment of impeccable quality and conceptual design. Anastasia draws upon the strong tradition of couture and theatre’s slight-of-hand to play with the balance of form and fancy. Viewers can take a hint from the brand name, Anamorphique, that there’s more there than meets the eye.
This piece is accompanied by visual work "An Exercise in Discordance". By Harley Sinclair 24"×48"/Acrylic and modeling paste on stretched canvas
Those new to the prairies or those who have lived here their whole life know the power of a prairie storm. Harley had hoped to capture that power and the dance that occurs right before us with each thunderstorm.
Next up, we have quite the collaboration by Artists: Melissa Squire, Kimball Vince Regier, M. Craig Campbell, Helena Bruening, Simon Hagen, Ben Walbrecht The piece is titled “MERMAID CORSET”
Life and Death illustrates the severity of the impact of humans on the environment, while also providing hope, as we are able to make positive changes in our actions to reverse our negative impact on the environment. A mermaid has ties to both land and sea. She transitions from mermaid to human by uncoupling the removable tail fin. Made from materials originating from both land and sea. Transitioning from what was once useful to useless and back to useful again. Fish leather, represents sea life and also representing death due to the human pollution in the sea. Tires, representing both the land as well as the burden humans are on the land and sea enviroments. Hope lies in the upcycling of the materials- the ability to change our behavior to protect Mother Earth and what happens to her.
This piece is accompanied by visual work "Sākastenôhk (East)" By Harley Sinclair. 12” x 24”/Acrylic on stretched canvas
Harley finds inspiration for his landscapes through the visuals we all see everyday, but may take for granted. The beauty of the sunrise cresting the horizon at just the right moment can reveal the beauty of the day ahead of us.
Our next piece is “Woodland Warrior” by Alexa Hainsworth
Woodland Warrior is the protector of Northern Saskatchewan forests. This piece is a tribute to the transformation to our landscape. Woodland Warrior tell us that we are not separate from nature but we are part of a delicate ecosystem.
This piece is accompanied by visual work “Friend of the Forest”. By JoAnn Marie. 16” x 20”/Mixed media on stretched canvas
Trees are alive, they are our sisters and brothers, they care for us and each other even as they constantly change with each season. My goal in this painting, was to capture the essence of that beauty and friendship, using vibrant colours and batik fabric.
Our last wearable art of the evening is another collaboration by Artists: Melissa Squire, Kimball Vince Regier, M. Craig Campbell, Helena Bruening, Simon Hagen, Ben Walbrecht (three from Saskatchewan and three blacksmiths from Germany on their traditional Journeyperson adventure) named “WINGS”
Transitions: Black to white; Hard to soft; Heavy to light. These represent the movement from earth (tire)to air (sheer curtains) as the being takes flight using the wings. They also represent the idea of waste reduction as the use of these materials “lightens the load” of burden that waste puts on the environment. The wings, forged from steal were built strong to bear the weight of the human “environmental load” that is the wing material on this piece, similar to the strength of the earth as it bears the weight of the waste we, as humans, create.
This piece is accompanied by visual work “Inner/Outer Turmoil” By Harley Sinclair. 12” x 36”/Acrylic on stretched canvas
Those new to the prairies or those who have lived here their whole life know the power of a prairie storm. Harley had hoped to capture that power and the dance that occurs right before us with each thunderstorm.
WHAT AN AMAZING COLLECTION OF WEARABLE ART!
We also had an amazing performance by Annalise Reinhart!
Annalise is a local singer and performing from Saskatoon. They’ve performed all across Saskatchewan with the 2022 SaskExpress summer tour, as well as competed in dance and musical theatre competitions for 10 years. They’re starring as Elsa in the upcoming production of Frozen at Walter Murray Collegiate.
HUGE THANK YOU to our choreographer of the Wearable Art Gala and hip hop dance performance piece choreographed and performed by Zoe Pravda, Zoe has been a professional dancer for 17 years. She was a competitive dancer and trained in all genres of dance from ballet, lyrical, jazz, and more, as well as an assistant Dance Teacher at Juliette’s Dance Center. These days her love of hip hop is her focus and honing her skills. Most recently she joined the Venom Dance Team for Saskatchewan Rattlers Basketball Team.
She is excited not only to choreograph a great Wearable Art Show Saturday night, but also to perform a duet both evenings of Saskatchewan Fashion Weekend.
Thank you to our lovely host, Karma!
The SFW team is passionate about Saskatchewan fashion design, buying local, and building a sustainable fashion community. The support of our sponsors, suppliers, and contributors makes our festival and off-season initiatives and events a reality.
Special mention to our SFW event sponsors for their support and contributions to SFW this weekend:
Saskatchewan Fashion Association Inc
Jack Millikin Centre
Our title sponsor Wiebe Works
Mane Productions
Jane Maria Consulting
Pro Plus Productions
Infinity Events & Decor
The Delta Bessborough Hotel
Cooperators Wiens Insurance
Ole Cocktails
Revamp Salon
Edge Agency
Green Tree Beauty
Blank Paper
Print Baron
The Capitol Music Club
The Gaff
In The Mix
and our lovely SFA & JMC board members!
Huge thank you to all models and volunteers! And a special thanks to all of you reading this for your continued support!
Our weekend hair styles are by Revamp Salon, and makeup by independent artists Jennilee Cardinal Schultz, Angel Hardy, Madison Prosofsky, Heena Arora, Ginette Hall, Kayla York, Lane Parkins, Madeleine Hart, and Merin Hendry.
The visuals, Lighting, and Sound is by Pro Plus Production with music by The Gaff, the show Produced by Mandy Pravda of Mane Productions. Our visual curator is Valerie Wiebe of Wiebe Works, who is also our title sponsor.
The show was choreographed by Zoe Pravda.
Our backstage creative team is Carlie Letts, Lisa Marie Schwartz, and Paula Colins, along with many volunteers and of course the boutiques and designers themselves.
For those of you who purchase a VIP ticket you may have noticed the lovely swag bag on your seat, Big thank you to all our contributors!
Spex by Ryan $100 Gift Card
Green Tree Beauty Products
Melissa Squire Gift Card
Social Made Local Patch
Lucky Bastards Distillery Samples
Revamp Salon $20 Gift Card
The Beverage Collective AKA Ole Cocktails Beverage
OUTSaskatoon Gift Bag
Valerie Wiebe of Wiebe Works book “Time to Fly!”
Yard and Flagon/Rook and Raven Free Pint
THANK YOU SASKATCHEWAN!