Upcycled Fashion Show tickets now on sale

WOLFEBORO — Makers Mill and the Governor Wentworth Arts Council will have tickets on sale for their Upcycled Fashion Show on Saturday, April 23 in the Great Room of Wolfeboro Town Hall between 7-9 p.m. Tickets may be purchased online at www.makersmill.org/events and cost $3 for GWAC members and $5 for non-members before the event, and $7 at the door for everyone. Children under 12 are free. Light refreshments will be served.

Starting at 7 p.m., Josh Arnold, executive director of Makers Mill will give an update on the makerspace building renovation which is due to open later this summer. Liz Helfer, GWAC president will share how the idea for the show came to be before introducing the fashion show designers, and their upcycled designs and models. As each design is modeled, attendees will hear the story behind its inspiration and creation, including details of the repurposed materials used in making the upcycled garment.

Upcycling techniques have been with us for eons. Born either from necessity, or in a spark of individuality, or as a nod to sustainability, upcycling takes worn or used materials, clothes, or objects and transforms the old into something new, and typically, more valuable. More recently, upcycled fashion in particular has become very popular.

The Upcycled Fashion Show is designed to celebrate ingenuity, community spirit, and environmental awareness, hence it being held on the day after Earth Day is celebrated globally.

“So far we have teams entering designs from several local organizations including the Wolfeboro Garden Club, Brewster Academy, and Verani Realty, but we’d love to see more of our local schools and businesses, and other nonprofits participate,” said Liz Helfer.

Josh Arnold added, “Interestingly, participants have signed up from Portsmouth, Laconia and as far away as Pennsylvania, and we even heard interest from a company in Colorado who make upcycled hats and dungarees. The word is definitely spreading: recently we were featured as part of an article on upcycling by Hippo Press out of Manchester, NH.”

The opportunity to create a design and participate in the show is still available, either as a team or an individual. If the idea seems a little daunting, know that a local support team of experienced fashion and fiber arts professionals is available for guidance through the process with design ideas, sewing and assembling tips, and access to recycled materials. Inquiries can be directed to Liz Helfer at info@governorwentworthartscouncil.org or Carol Holyoake at carol@makersmill.org.

Both GWAC and Makers Mill are sensitive and aware of the trepidation for many around attending large indoor events at this time, and are taking precautions accordingly. The event will go on so long as Carroll County’s “community level” remains “low” according to the CDC tracker. Facemasks are encouraged, but not required, and you get extra points for upcycled facemasks. Do not attend if you are experiencing a fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19. Full reimbursement will be given to those who need to cancel due to sickness or symptoms. More updates around event details and COVID risk mitigations measures will be shared in the future media releases. If you have any questions, specific needs, or feedback, please reach out to Carol or Liz using the contact information above.