NEWS | Valley Arts Alliance

Calendar

Thursday @ 11AM: Weekly Meeting

Our weekly Thursday @ 11 meeting will be at Sophia's Cafe, 9191 E Frontage Road, P-W Hwy.

Saturday @ 1PM: Art Meets Recycling

Our weekly Saturday @ 1 Art Meets Recycling Get-Together will be at VCRS Recycling Center, 9465 E. Chanlyut Circle, Palmer.

Open Mic @ Palmer Train Depot
Featuring Local Legend Jerry Wessling from 6-6:30PM
Thursday January 30 5-9PM

Celebrate the creativity of the Matanuska Valley at the Valley Arts Alliance Open Mic and Art Showcase! This free, all-ages event is your opportunity to experience the music and art that make our community unique. Sign-ups begin at 5PM.

Saturday February 15: Wearable Art
& Runway Fashion Show

The Valley Arts Alliance is proud to host their 19th Annual VAA Wearable Art & Runway Fashion Show at the Palmer Depot on Saturday, February 15, 2025. Again, this year we will present two identical performances—a matinee at 3pm and an evening performance at 7pm. Tickets are $15.00 and will be available in Palmer at Fireside Books and Non-Essentials; and in Wasilla at My House / Gathering Grounds Café starting January 1, 2025.

2024 Wearable art
& runway fashion show

Ellie Grace

The 18th annual Valley Arts Alliance Wearable Art and Runway Fashion Show was performed at the Palmer Depot, with both a 3pm Matinee and a 7pm Evening performance.

Both the 3pm Matinee and the 7pm Evening Performance were opened by Ellie Grace.

Photos courtesy of Phillip Flippo.

Hillary Saffran and Ron the lighting guy.

Hillary Saffran served as Masters of Ceremony. Both performances were sold out!

Tiki Man

John Stroup, our light board operater, kicked off the show. Designed and created by John Stroup and Carmen Summerfield. Modeled by John Stroup.

The Flying Agaric

The Fly Agaric Mushroom, a.k.a. Amanita Muscaria, are the ruby orange gems that possess an invitation to magical worlds. Over a decade rockin' the wearable art stage, here is Claire hotstepping with the flying mushrooms!

All My Friends are Insects

Created by Patti Dubler, Nan Potts and Carmen Summerfield. Modeled by Elijah, Kaiah, Josiah Richards, Nan Potts and Joe Dubler. Patti loves to show her grandkids her beautiful garden with a lot of insects, even spiders...

Metallic Galaxy Girl

Created by Sandra McMillian, modeled by Liz Dubbe. This outfit was inspired by the Futuristic sleeves. It is made of Reflectix Foil Bubble Wrap Insulation and Tarp Grommets held together with 2" Book binder rings. It has versatile sizing just by adding or subtracting the Rings.

Noodle Cat

Designed by Zelda Burkhart and Briley Amberg. Modeled by Zelda Burkhart. Crafted with love and an eye for the weird, Noodle Cat comes to life through a vibrant tapestry of recycled materials including wire, newspaper, styrofoam, ramen noodle packets, and repurposed textiles. Noodle Cat, with its fluttering angel wings and halo, is ready to "Fly Away" into the hearts and minds of all who witness its beauty and weirdness — from the mind of a child, a world where “everything matters”. This wearable art piece is not just an outfit; it's a statement, a dream made tangible, and a testament to the incredible creativity that flourishes when we dare to dream.

Butterfly

Designed and Modeled by Jay Clark. Many people feel trapped in life, whether in their school or work environments, their homes, their bodies or their minds; but inside each one of us is a vibrant butterfly waiting to be released. Everyone deserves to find the freedom to truly be themselves without shame. This piece is a celebration of unambiguous self-expression and vibrant, colorful, joyful self-love, inspired by the aesthetics of glam rock musicians such as David Bowie and Freddie Mercury, as well as various other types of camp performance art. After a lifetime spent trapped in its cocoon, the butterfly emerges transformed... after so long spent dormant, it's sure to be a good time!

Fierce Noir Goth Spellbinder

Designed and Created by Elsie LeDoux. Modeled by Lindsey Cloudy. A stunning Avant-Grade ball gown featuring hundreds of flowers handmade from trash bags.

Tie One On

Designed and Modeled by Colleen Wake. Alaska is known for its big fish. So let's " Tie One On" and see what we can catch with this six foot fishing tye.
Using pool noodles, aluminum tape and fly tying materials, Colleen is ready to go for the big one. ... Now..who has a pole?

Time to Unwind

Designed and Created by Lois Verbaan. Modeled by April Kahn. This couture evening dress by Lois Verbaan, was made from deconstructed halibut longline. The piece represents hundreds of hours of unwinding rope and weaving it strand by strand on a large, homemade loom. The last time you enjoyed a delicious halibut or black cod fillet, it may have been caught by an Alaskan fisherman using this very gear! Sit back and relax. Its time to unwind

Sparkle Factor

Designed and Created by Sandra McMillian. Modeled by Acadia Graham and Mykel Siegrist. Created for the love of all things that sparkle. Christmas Garland creates the movement of the many strands of Silver and White beads which adorn this creation modeled by Acadia Graham.
The black Cocktail Dress and matching purse are made from a Diamond crystal Room divider curtain. This creation is modeled by Mykel Siegrist.
There are plenty of ways to decorate with beads crystals and garland just make sure to have fun while you do it.

She Can, Can Can

Designed and Created by Georgia Hollander. Modeled by Nan Potts, Kelly Caroway and Josephine Bidwell-Black.

Georgie Hollander, Founder and Leader of The Borealis Dancers has been entertaining and Valley, Anchorage and audiences across the state of Alaska for over 40 years.

Not only does she lead and teach this dance group but designs and creates colorful costumes for her dancers. Here, is a sampling of her handiwork, Can Can style!

Georgie also invites you, the audience members, young and older, to consider joining her troupe. Anyone can dance — she’s happy to get you started!

Tropical Paradise

Designed and Created by Sandra McMillian. Modeled by Sandra McMillian and Zoe Lewis.These creations were inspired by dreams of warm weather and tropical Paradise, where 90% of materials were reused or recycled. The collection of 12 types of vinery create the headpiece. While The dress of lavish palms, exotic orchids and vibrant Antheriums can provide you with sunshine and a breathe of fresh air.

As you arrive at your destination your host meets you with a shell lei. This creation is modeled by Zoe Lewis and made from over 128 shell necklaces and 4 shell pot holders. The necklaces sway with the movement of the ocean waves.
Please enjoy the warmth of the costumes.

Fly with a Happy Face

Designed and Created by Shannon Huber. Modeled by Sam Berg, Stephanie Bass, Whitney Martin, Michelle Huss. A humorous nod to a true Alaskan transportation staple.

Copp-uccino

Designed and Created by Lois Verbaan. Modeled by Willow York. This stunning dress and cloak was woven then created by Lois Verbaan using strips of police crime tape and Heritage coffee bags. It was created for the 2022 Anchorage Trend Fashion show and also modeled at the 2023 Sitka Wearable Art Show. Enjoy, copp-uccino!

Flying High - Denim Dreams

Designed and Created by Judy Vars. Modeled by Mylah Mauzy. Don't we LOVE our denim blue jeans? Levis, Lees, Banana Republic, True Religion, Old Navy, and Democracy, we search relentlessly for the perfect pair, with the perfect fit and when we find our favorite pair we wear them until they are holy and threadbare which just makes them feel sooooo much more comfortable and free, so free in-fact you could simply "Fly Away".

Snow White... Snow Drifted

Designed and Created by Ginny and Kate Lawton. Modeled by Kate Lawton. At this time of the year, many Alaskans long to fly south to warmer climates, especially with as much snow as we have had the past couple of winters. Even Snow White and her feathered friends get a bit tired of the winter. While we may all wish we could head for distant shores–– Hawaii? Mexico? The Bahamas?-- sometimes when the snow flies, we recognize it’s an accomplishment just making it to the end of our driveway.

Dragon Land Wings of Love

Designed and Created by becky Holsinger. Modeled by Maria, Charlie and Martin Ming. Mystical fantasy dragon land tale of a Queen Mother and her two young children - a dragon and a dragon/knight. Connected by wings and love and a vow of peace in the kingdom. Outfits created with recycled/thrifted/stash materials including satin curtains and brown paper bag scales. A variety of mixed media techniques were used. Music is Head in the Clouds by Max Frost - cousin of the wearable art creator.

Rainbow Dream

Designed and Created by Chariot Hartman. Modeled by Amanda Miller. If a rainbow was a dress, this is what it would look like...

Fierce Raven-Black Breathtaking Goths

Designed and Created by Elsie LeDoux. Modeled by Nicole Rosevear, Sadie Rosevear, Sarah Helgoe. Ordinary trash bags transformed into avant-garde ball gowns. Edgy goth creations featuring sweet puppies made from the same unexpected materials.

Queen Bee

Designed and Modeled by Jana Drake. Queen bee's know how to make the best out of their hive. Here is a dress made out of toilet paper rolls and netting. Making the best out of life's moments. Mrs. Arctic Coast is in full hive mood with this vintage dress and a few little honey bees to keep her company.

Fly Away Cancer

Designed & Modeled by Sherri Bauer. This pink butterfly is dedicated to surviving breast cancer twice.

The Wizard of Drakefell Forest

Designed and Modeled by Sierra Wake. This is Cierra, the anthro possum wizard of Drakefell Forest. A fantasy version of the Matsu Valley. Sierra found a staff in Hatcher Pass and when she picked it up, she was transformed into this possum wizard. She even has the ability to speak to plants and tame wild beasts with the snap of her fingers.

Force of Nature Within

Designed and Created by Ashana Flippo. Modeled by Morgan Rath. feathers and body paint express a force of nature within.

WEARABLE ART 2025 COMING SOON!
FEBRUARY 15, 2025
palmer train depot
tickets ON SALE
after January 1st, 2025

CLICK HERE TO REGISER

Local artists will showcase their work, and refreshments will be available. Donations are greatly appreciated to support future events. Donations are greatly appreciate to support future events.

🎶 Musicians: You're invited to perform two songs—sign-ups begin at 5 PM.

OPEN
MIC at
PALMER
DEPOT
JANUARY
30TH
5-9pm

Featuring: Jerry Wessling
from 6-6:30pm

The Valley Arts Alliance is excited to present the 19th Annual VAA Wearable Art & Runway Fashion Show at the Palmer Depot on Saturday, February 15, 2025. This year, there will once again be two identical performances: a matinee at 3 PM and an evening show at 7 PM. Tickets are $15.00 and will be available starting January 1, 2025, in Palmer at Fireside Books and Non-Essentials, as well as in Wasilla at My House / Gathering Grounds Café.

VIEW ARCHIVES

Calendar

Wearable Art

Calendar

Thursday @ 11AM: Weekly Meeting

Saturday @ 1PM: Art Meets Recycling

Open Mic @ Palmer Train Depot Featuring Local Legend Jerry Wessling from 6-6:30PM Thursday January 30 5-9PM

Saturday February 15: Wearable Art & Runway Fashion Show

2024 Wearable art & runway fashion show

WEARABLE ART 2025 COMING SOON! FEBRUARY 15, 2025 palmer train depot tickets ON SALE after January 1st, 2025

🎶 Musicians: You're invited to perform two songs—sign-ups begin at 5 PM.

OPEN MIC at PALMER DEPOT JANUARY 30TH 5-9pm

Featuring: Jerry Wessling from 6-6:30pm

Open Mic @ Palmer Train Depot
Featuring Local Legend Jerry Wessling from 6-6:30PM
Thursday January 30 5-9PM

Saturday February 15: Wearable Art
& Runway Fashion Show

2024 Wearable art
& runway fashion show

WEARABLE ART 2025 COMING SOON!
FEBRUARY 15, 2025
palmer train depot
tickets ON SALE
after January 1st, 2025

OPEN
MIC at
PALMER
DEPOT
JANUARY
30TH
5-9pm

Featuring: Jerry Wessling
from 6-6:30pm