One part genuine, unadulterated, teenage enthusiasm; one part drive and passion; one part over-the-top, Starbucks-fueled, completely refreshing creative spirit: the recipe for The Collage, the arts-meets-fashion brainchild of four intoxicating local young women.
Olivia Brayan and former Collage coordinator Aleah Davis, originally conceived The Collage as a fundraiser for their U-Prep semi-formal dance. What began as a small runway show featuring ready-to-wear fashions from local boutique sponsors has grown into a fashion and jewelry extravaganza. With the help of new team members Alysia Brayan and stylist and designer Kellianne Ropaza, 2008 U-Prep classmates now at Shasta College, the team has recruited 11 regional designers, 38 models, a team of stylists and 70 pieces of wearable art that they will showcase this weekend as a fundraiser for the Shasta County Arts Council.
The Collage team sees the show as their way of “connecting people and helping to build their dreams.” Collage connects an incredibly diverse group of designers, from ages 16 to almost 60, including hard-core, punk, mixed textile pieces by 16-year-old Rebecca Brent, costume creations by Randi Barry, classic elegant designs by Jessica Akers and original, screen-printed, bohemian chic designs by designer (and former Arts Council executive director) Gini Holmes.
The dream-building doesn’t stop with fashion and jewelry. Team Collage has successfully recruited Nick Arnot, videographer and music mixer, video equipment from Crown Camera, marketing that includes a variety of local print media and interviews on KLXR and KCNR, treats from Sweetspot, refreshments from Starbucks and a silent auction of pieces from local boutiques and designers.
Kimberly Woods, owner of downtown’s Kimberly Nicole Boutique and 2008 Collage sponsor, praises the team: “These young ladies have it together.” Kimberly has new and vintage clothing from the shop and pieces from her jewelry line “Eclectique” in this year’s show, modeled by Suzanna Ryan and Lynda Lee.
Check out The Collage and support a local youth-driven project while supporting the Shasta County Arts Council, if for no other reason than to allow some of Olivia, Alysia and Kellianne’s creativity, community-minded spirit and energy rub off on you.
What: The Collage
When: Saturday, Jan. 23, 7 to 8:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:15 p.m.)
Where: Shasta County Arts Council, Old City Hall, 1313 Market Street, Redding
Cost: $20 ($15 for Arts Council members) includes treats from Sweetspot and Starbucks and an after-party from 9 to 11 p.m.
Learn more about The Collage on Twitter, Facebook and myspace.com/thecollage2009.
Adam Mankoski is a recent North State transplant who feels completely at home here. He enjoys experiencing and writing about the people, places and things that embody the free spirit of the State of Jefferson. He and his partner own HawkMan Studios and are the creators of Redding’s 2nd Saturday ArtHop. Email your North State events to adamm.anewscafe@gmail.com.
