The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Department of Preforming and Visual Arts will present its inaugural "Project RunAway: Wearable Art in Motion” on Tuesday, May 9, showcasing work by students enrolled in Sarah Strange's Crafts, Fibers, and Fabrics class and Scott Steder's 3D Design. The event, which features a runway show, is free and open to the public, and will take place in the Center for the Arts, Studio Theatre. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the show begins at 6 p.m.
"Our students have worked tirelessly over the last few weeks,” said Steder. “Creating pieces based on the elements and principles of design while holding true to a specific concept. It has been remarkable to watch these students manipulate material to achieve a desired outcome."
Wearable art blends visual art and slow fashion. The term is often used to describe accessories, clothing and costume designed and made by hand to express its creator's unique aesthetic and form an artistic statement. Since these are usually publicly visible, they often deal with social, political or environmental issues.
“The capstone wearable art assignment challenges students to apply the techniques learned in my textiles course to the human form,” said Strange. “Fashion is the only art form that we are legally required to purchase. Fashioning the self is an act of artistic expression, and when non-traditional materials are used in the context of textiles, it forces the viewer to question the meaning of the garment. This is an incredible opportunity for students to push their creativity and it gives them a platform in which to present their work. Clothing only comes to life on the human form; it's a living, breathing art form.”