This weekend local Trashionistas hit the catwalk to display their fabulous creations at the annual fundraiser for Teton Valley Community Recycling, the Trash Bash, a celebration of all things Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
New valley resident and trashion designer, Jean McMillin, who was inspired by last year’s show, stunned the crowd with her amazing gown made from 192 Fancy Feast cat food can “flowers” and 168 cat food can lids accompanied by a shawl made from kibble bags. Her gown titled “Crazy Cat Can Lady” was worn by her niece, Laura Shaw, and won first prize at the Trashion Show, earning her 6 months of free curbside recycling from RAD Curbside, so she can recycle her cat food cans in the future instead of wearing them – but judging from the crowd’s response, this new fashion trend may be here to say. Her two cats contributed materials for this gorgeous gown.
Second prize was awarded to long time local Trashion designer, Erica Rice of The Brandstalk marketing, for her cocktail dress entitled “Regifted” made entirely from shredded gift wrap bits and shredded IRA statements stuffed into small plastic bags from product deliveries. The majority of this trash was donated by Guichiebirds in Driggs, a strong supporter of responsible waste diversion.
Tied for third place were two veteran Trashionistas who often work as a team, Chloe Brightman and Tanya Walz with their dress duo entitled “Pearl of the Sea” and “Not in My Ocean” highlighting the problem of ocean plastic waste. Both outfits represent seascapes and were made from plastic clamshells, bubble wrap, and plastic bags. Other designers include Sue Miller, Iris Saxer, and Kelli Jones.
We had some great youth participants as well. Sisters Martha and Mary Stout won the Youth Prize of a $50 scholarship which they will share, hopefully to pursue more arts education or other interests. Six-year old Jed Bowerstock and Weston Agnew (5) represented Teton Valley Community School’s K/1st grade class to display their hand-made trash hats. Their classmates all created hats of discarded materials as part of their study on art and inspiration. They created a poster of their project which will be posted at the art gallery.
If you missed the show, TVCR plans to display all these amazing gowns at the Teton Arts Gallery in the Driggs Community Center from November 13 through January 31. Stop in to take a look and learn more about plastic pollution and other waste issues pertinent to Teton Valley.
And as we approach this holiday season, try to rethink waste – buy less, make more, spend quality time with those you love, reuse what you have, and recycle properly.
