The Handicrafter

Fashion is a seductive powerhouse in contemporary culture, worthy of celebration and critique. From the earliest days of civilization to the present moment, we’ve been obsessed by decorative creations to adorn and define our beings. Madly inspired garments, bravura sketches, elaborately finished works, and experimental art in all media including video and installation will be accepted for judging to showcase the edge where adornment meets art .(from the press release) 

Orange County Center for Contemporary Art will stage the upcoming exhibition FASHIONISTAS! March 6 to April 18, 2009. A reception will be held on March 7^th from 6pm to 10 pm.

FASHIONISTAS is an all media national juried exhibition including video, installation,  jewelry and craft media. The deadline for artists to submit their work is January 12, 2009. The prospectus is available at www.occca.org. 

The Juror is Claudia Grau. Ms. Grau has a unique and wildly imaginative sense of design. Cher, Bette Midler and Diane Keaton frequented her shop on Melrose Avenue which she opened in 1979. Her signature collection is antique Japanese Kimonos reconstructed as patchwork fabric which she then remade into tailored jackets.  Claudia Grau is said to have a flair for crossing the lines between art and fashion. 

Submissions must be digital on either a CD or DVD. The format is jpg. Dimensions are 4” x 6”, 300 dpi or else self-playing videos. Slide entries will not be accepted.

There is a fee for submissions. Please refer to the OCCA website for further details and entry forms.

Dates to remember:

Deadline for entries – January 12, 2009, received not postmarked

Jurying of entries – January 15, 2009

Email notification of accepted entries – to start January 17, 2009

Deadline for receipt of accepted works to gallery – March 2, 2009, 5pm

Exhibition dates – March 6 to April 18, 2009

Opening reception – March 7, 2009 6pm to 10pm