Return of the dumpster divas

The Sonoma Community Center’s annual Trashion Fashion events come up in April, but the deadlines for designing an entry — human-size, for the catwalk fashion show, or miniature, for a hot new Barbie look — are coming up this month. 

Official entry forms and rules are now available for anyone curious about the creative sustainable opportunities to turn trash into treasure.  Those interested can participate in three ways.  

Participants can make original wearable art that will strut down the Trashion Fashion catwalk.  Amateurs as well as professionals, whether individuals or groups, ages 9 and above are encouraged to enter. The only rules are that outfits must be made from materials that have been previously used, found at thrift stores, or rescued from the trash. Prizes will be awarded under a variety of categories and entries will be featured in the  “Trashion Fashion Show” on Saturday, April 22, at Sonoma Veterans Memorial Hall.  Deadline: March 24. 

“What’s great is that everyone’s interpretation of this creative challenge is different and celebrated,” says Molly Spencer, Director of Engagement.  “It’s great to see retirees, school students, established local artists and home crafters all showcased on the same stage.  It’s truly a community affair.”

There are other Trashion events that are open to the community.  There is the opportunity to save a plastic Barbie doll from the landfills by transforming it into an upcycled showpiece.  These new works of art will be featured in Gallery 212’s exhibit and silent auction, “BARBIE: Reclaimed & Reinvented.” 

Mail-in Barbie entries will be accepted, meaning that almost anyone anywhere can participate.  Participants are encouraged to have fun, be inventive, interpret this anyway they like, but use only recycled materials and wholesome imagery. Deadline: March 31.

Thanks in part to a partnership with Recology-Sonoma Marin, free dolls are available to the community on a first come, first serve basis at the Sonoma Community Center. Meanwhile, artists are encouraged to use their own dolls if they have them.  

The third event is for local dog owners interested in upcycling materials into fun costumes for their pooch.   They can enter the “Dogs on the Catwalk” Trashion Fashion contest for dogs.  Judges will be on hand to award each four legged entry based on their participation at this beloved event, scheduled April 29 at the Sonoma Community Center.

For event entry forms, rules, and more information, visit TrashionFashionSonoma.org or call (707) 938-4626 x4, Monday through Friday 10:00AM-4:00PM.