Artistic flair

By: 

Did you ever wonder if you could take a ball of really fine wool or a piece of felt and turn it into a really fine piece of art? Well this past weekend I found out you can and the best thing about it is you can wear it everyday!

The Cleveland Museum of Art is celebrating its 75th anniversary of their Textile Art Alliance program and just finished with their 6th Annual Wearable Art Fashion Show in Mentor.

The show consisted of over 50 artists who each displayed their wearable art in a boutique fashion for preview followed by an exciting fashion show and luncheon. The runway show was emceed by the well-known Ann Elder who brought a hip, fun, humorous vibe to the show. 

Each model showcased three to four pieces from various artists. (My favorites included Mohair jackets and Angora coats.) Artists Sharon Eutsler, Joyce Jentoff and Thomas Horst offered coats so beautiful you would not want to put them away for summer. Myldred Boston Howell knitted my favorite scarf. Purlygirl Knits Jill Weider showed hand knit, hip accessories. She also took home first place for best booth design. 

It didn’t matter if you just browsed the boutique area or went on a wild shopping spree in the 2-hour shopping time after the show. The artists had something for every taste. 

Congratulations to Show Chair Katherine Dunlevey who put on a sold-out event. Mark your calendar next year for the 3rd Sunday in October. 

You can obtain more information about becoming a member of the TAA by visiting the Cleveland Museum of Art. They offer a variety of memberships that are very affordable. 

Editor's note: For more coverage of some of the items featured at the TAA show, check out The Plain Dealer's It List from Oct. 14.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009