Participate in the 2024 Upcycled Fashion Show

Makers Mill and the Governor Wentworth Arts Council (GWAC), two local organizations with a shared mission of fostering creativity, are collaborating on the Upcycled Fashion Show:  an event that is designed to celebrate ingenuity, community spirit, and environmental awareness. The date of the show correlates with Earth Day celebrations around the world!

Upcycling takes worn or used materials and transforms the old into something new, and typically, more valuable. The Upcycled Fashion Show encourages participants to create upcycled fashion designs crafted from recycled or repurposed materials, either in teams or individually. Each design must incorporate upcycled elements. 

To get you in the upcycling spirit, the Makers Mill is hosting several workshops in the weeks leading up to the show that focus on repurposing materials. You can learn more and register for the workshops on the Makers Mill website. 

Participation in the Upcycled Fashion Show is free and open to everyone. GWAC and Makers Mill encourage kids, teens, adults, family groups, friend groups, and everyone to else to participate! To register, fill out the required fields and email 1-2 images of your design to info@governorwentworthartscouncil.org. Your registration is not considered complete until we have received your images. When registering, all participants must agree to the Release of Claims, Indemnity, and Hold Harmless Agreement, please read it carefully. Registration closes April 20, 2024.

We will provide dinner refreshments for participants backstage. We will also be taking pictures and have people available if you need help with anything during the event. We can't wait to see what you create!

Upcycled Fashion Show FAQ:

Q. Can I register more than one design? 

A. Absolutely, but you must have different models for each design. Please fill out the registration form for each design. 

Q. Can I register with just one upcycled element, like a scarf, vest, or hat?

A. Yes, make it look great with a coordinated outfit.

Q. Can I show the same upcycled design I showed last year?

A. You can, but we encourage you to switch it up!

Q. Can I sell my upcycled products at the show?

A. For 2024, we are allowing sales per a juried show. Please apply here: https://www.governorwentworthartscouncil.org/upcycled-fashion-show-artist-application

Note: It is fine for designers to sell their modeled outfit(s). If designers have a line of  upcycled merchandise, you will need to apply for the juried market.

Q. Can I get help figuring out how to make my upcycled idea?

A. We are happy to help! Please contact us and we'll help you troubleshoot. The workshops at the Makers Mill are also amazing for building your skills.

Q. 5/6/7pm is my dinner time, how will I eat if I participate in the show?

A. We will provide refreshments for participants backstage before the show. Please let us know when you register if you have any dietary restrictions.

Q. Does the show end exactly at 8:30pm?

A. Maybe. We say 8:30 based on experience but there's a chance that the show runs a little long!

Q. Will there be pictures or video of the show that I can access?

A. Yes. We will take photos and local cable access will record the show. We will share them with you afterwards.

If you would like to volunteer at the show or have any questions, please contact Governor Wentworth Arts Council President, Cheryl Shanahan, at info@governorwentworthartscouncil.org.