Wearable Art Show 4
Dunedin Fine Arts Center
August 16, 2008

Bellwether \BEL-weth-uhr\, noun: A leader of a movement or activity; also, a leading indicator of future trends.

Once in a while it is a good idea to take the pulse of the Tampa Bay Area art scene to see if there are signs of life. Recently our art medics have proudly pronounced that the local art scene is no longer in need of life support. With the art activities within downtown St. Petersburg going strong, and the secret infiltration of Dick Greco's failed Ybor plan by artists taking back their territory we have seen increased growth within the grassroots artistic movement.

Within any movement, as in nature, there must be a Bellwether in which we can measure the health of the local arts community. After attending Dunedin Fine Arts Center's "Wearable Art 4" on Aug. 16th, 2008, my scientific findings confirm that this event is indeed the Bellwether of this community's art scene.

Founded four years ago by DFAC's own Kaya Parwanicka, who coordinated this years show as well, the "Wearable Art Show" has sold out every year since its inception and this year's attendance was doubled as it was held in the new Dunedin Community Center, which is located right out the back door of the Dunedin Fine Arts Center. An estimated 800 screaming art fans were in attendance.

To say the atmosphere was electric would be an understatement. After the MC Natasha Richards (GEOURGEOUS!), got the crowd of art/fashion junkies fired up, the lights lowered and amid the wonderful sounds we were treated to half naked men waving tree limbs to welcome our first wearable art models. The surreal scene reminded me of both primitive tribe culture and early Greek decadence.

The first models emerged from the trees. Designs by Kina Kouture and Blaire Barham were a perfect appetizer to the fashion that was to come. Great onstage choreography and music complimented each other to provide an opening that elevated the kinetic energy within the crowd even more.

Next up, and my favorite of the night, was the Balloon fashions of Mark Byrne. Hell, I can't even blow up a balloon, much less make a dress out of them. Byrne's designs were both colorful and entertaining and even featured the designer himself in an awesome Iron Man costume. For overall fashion, Tampabaymuse gives Mr. Byrne our Overall Best of Show award.

Former New York resident Ben Chmura's line of fashion was highlighted by tight designs and some great backless dresses. However, the designs did not really fit into my definition of wearable art. But his designs were good, smart, and slightly futuristic. Also his designs were the most practical as who can really go around wearing balloons?

Due to my over stimulation and attention deficit from those damn video games, the next two designers, Jennifer Stachon/Courtney Davis and Katy Long blurred into one reality. I remember cotton candy dresses, cupcakes, wonderful red dresses and flower petals. Did two girls kiss? My apologies to these designers but both were excellent and entertaining. Maybe I was just having too good a time being in the moment.

Rogerio Martins from Brazil provided the most diverse collection of the night. From his more conventional designs to an S&M motive to a more primitive design his work seemed to draw from many different inspirations. One model was even covered in what looked like live moss from a tree. Which brought the show full circle back to the beginning.

Frank Strunk III deals in metal. He makes metal art and has transformed his artistry into metal clothing. Strunk has participated in previous "Wearable Art" shows and is described as a fan favorite. His work is always of the highest caliber and his creativity always amazes. His work this year featured some of his trademark designs as well as his new metal lingerie. His final design however was the tour de force. A bronze goddess with a lighted emergency lights bra. We give him our Best Individual Design award. Nothing you read or see here can duplicate the actual experience of being there.

So make plans now to attend "Wearable Art 5" next year. Our thanks to the Dunedin Fine Arts Center for their support.

 

The Fashions of Mark Byrne

The Fashions of Ben Chmura

The Fashions of Rogerio Martins

The Fashions of Frank Strunk III

Georgeaus MC Natashia Richard, Frank Strunk III, and Jill