Graduating students designed and created wearable art from a variety of recycled and found materials. Each of the more than thirty costumes was designed around one of the ten elements of the planet: earth, foliage, wood, stone, metal, fire, water, ice, wind or clouds.
Models for the costumes were accompanied by music and videos created by the Visual Merchandising Arts students in collaboration with students in Conestoga’s Broadcast Television program. In preparation for the show, students received assistance from Debra Brown, choreographer for Cirque du Soleil, who provided advice and guidance on performance and movement.
According to program coordinator Margie Hedges, the annual project is particularly valuable for students because it provides them with opportunities to apply the skills and knowledge they have developed through their program. Students plan and design every aspect of the show, from sponsorship and promotion, to design and execution.
Each year, the students choose the charity that will benefit from their efforts. The proceeds from this year’s event were donated to SickKids Hospital in honour of Kayla Baker, a Cambridge teen who is a long-time ambassador for the hospital and a recent lung transplant recipient.
To see highlights of the 2013 aWearness event, click here
Visual Merchandising Arts is a two-year Ontario College Diploma program designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge associated with design and staging across all areas of merchandising. Visit the program page on the Conestoga website for more information.