Timaru’s newest wearable arts competition was sewn up with flying colours and organisers are determined to make it an annual event.
The inaugural Art in Motion event which took place over the weekend at the Caroline Bay Hall, was a sell-out show.
It was the brainchild of three workmates, Robyn Valentine, Fiona Pierce and Catherine Neill.
The trio had created the competition as a taster for others to see how much fun wearable arts competitions could be.
Mrs Valentine said she had been inundated with positive comments about the show.
‘‘People just kept saying to me at interval and full-time ‘Wow, just wow’.’’
She said she had received ‘‘super’’ comments from designers too.
There were ‘‘tears of joy, lots of hugs . . .it was just fabulous’’.
‘‘I can’t ask for better than that.’’
Community House-based Volunteering Mid and South Canterbury manager Haidee Woods volunteered, modelling the avant garde-winning creation dubbed ‘‘cheese rolls’’.
The piece was created by Oamaru designer Felicity Morris.
The outfit was inspired by the ‘‘strength and determination of mums’’ who made more than 14,000 cheese rolls in a single day to fundraise for their school.
The warrior-like design was created out of 700 leftover bread bags.
Mrs Woods said she enjoyed modelling the piece, and her husband — seated in the audience — was inspired enough to contemplate competing in next year’s event.
‘‘But it’s a year away yet.’’
The supreme winner was Allison Mackay, of Masterton, with her piece ‘‘Superhero Fungi’’.
Mrs Valentine said the event was a huge success and organisers could not wait to do it all again next year.
Organisers are now working on showcasing some of the local entries at the Multiple Sclerosis South Canterbury Garden Walk on October 11.
Performances will be held at 11am and 2pm at the Caroline Bay Hall.
Tickets are $25.
