Go on a camping trip ‘out of this world’ with the JAHC’s Wearable Arts Extravaganza this weekend

Eleanor Lawlor reaches out to an audience member in the 2024 Wearable Art Extravaganza “Neon Apocalypse.” (Photo courtesy of Ron Gile)

By Jasz Garrett

Juneau Independent

The Juneau Arts and Humanities Council is holding its 23rd Wearable Arts Extravaganza this weekend at Centennial Hall. The event was shifted from annual to biennial in 2022 and this year’s theme is “CAMP!” 

Rachelle Bonnett, JAHC’s program manager, said the theme was chosen by the audience at the 2024 show. 

“We’re saying outrageous, outdoorsy, out of this world,” Bonnett said. “We’re bringing together fashion, art and performance inspired by the great outdoors and the spectacle of high camp. So think summer camp, camping, Southeast Alaska. But also there’s elements of drag and high glam, blending all of those things together. It’s going to be a really fun show.”

There are 15 artistic pieces, all showcased by models on the runway Saturday and Sunday. This year, there are 13 Juneau artists and one from Sitka. The event includes a People’s Choice Award known as the Sybil Davis Award, where attendees vote for their favorite piece with a token included with their ticket purchase. 

“Some of them are modeling their own pieces, but in addition to the artists, we have seven models who will be joining,” Bonnett said, adding that artists choose their own modeling teams.

Materials used in the original, handcrafted wearable arts include lichen, cardboard skewers, paint-by-number canvases, upcycled formal dresses, plastic juice cartons and cereal containers, paracord felt, Joann’s plastic bags, and more. 

Three choices for 2028’s theme will be presented at this weekend’s events, with the audience having a choice to vote by donation. The “Wearable Arts” show also features an opening act by the Juneau Dance Theatre.

Bonnett said “Wearable Arts” is the JAHC’s biggest fundraiser of the year, directly supporting its youth fine arts scholarship program, individual artist grants and operations at the Juneau Arts and Culture Center. A silent auction and raffle will also take place. Applications for both individual grants and youth scholarships are due by May 1.

“The goal is to invest in our arts community, our youth and professional artists, if you will, and to keep arts programming sustainable, accessible and affordable,” Bonnett said. 

The set design spotlights various camp-themed elements by Paul Spadone and the set construction was led by Zac Pease. 

“There’s trees, there’s animals, there’s a chandelier, a waterfall with mountains,” Bonnett said. “I won’t reveal everything, so if you want to see the whole set design, you’re going to have to come see it for yourself.” 

She said it took an entire week for the team, including volunteers, to put the set together from start to finish, including the lighting and sound. 

Tickets are still available and will be sold at the door as long as they last. A show is available Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. 

• Contact Jasz Garrett at jasz@juneauindependent.com or (907) 723-9356.