When unconventional art and storytelling meet haute couture, it’s time for one of the Tampa Bay area’s most dazzling events. Celebrating 20 years with an anniversary spectacular, the Dunedin Fine Art Center will present wearable ART: Platinum on Saturday, Aug. 22.
The WA20 Runway Show will begin at 8 p.m., at the Dunedin Community Center, 1920 Pinehurst Road, Dunedin. The Pre-Party will run from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Dunedin Fine Art Center, 1143 Michigan Blvd. Guests can choose from a variety of ticket experiences, including general admission seating and exclusive sponsor packages featuring a private pre-show reception with complimentary cocktails, catered hors d’oeuvres, and early access before the runway presentation. General admission tickets with unassigned seating start at $70 for nonmembers and $40 for DFAC members. General admission tickets with assigned seating are $150 for nonmembers and $125 for members. For tickets and information, visit dfac.org or call 727-298-3322.
What began as an inventive celebration of art and fashion has evolved into a signature DFAC tradition, transforming the runway into a showcase of sculpture, storytelling, performance, and wearable design. This platinum anniversary honors the artists, designers, volunteers, and supporters who have shaped wearable ART over the past two decades while looking ahead to its exciting future.
“Wearable Art has become one of the Tampa Bay region’s most anticipated and unforgettable annual events because it’s so much more than a fashion show — it’s a celebration of imagination without limits,” said Andrea Nalls, president and CEO of the Dunedin Fine Art Center. “For 20 years, artists have transformed unexpected materials into extraordinary works of art and reminded us that creativity can be bold, whimsical, thought-provoking, and incredibly fun. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or joining us for the first time, this year’s event promises an unforgettable evening of artistry, inspiration, and one of the most unique experiences you’ll find anywhere in our community. We can’t wait to celebrate this milestone with everyone.”
This year’s runway features an exceptional lineup of returning favorites and first-time participants, including Bay to Bay Wearable Art Collective, Talia Craig, Dawn Mostow & Ben Gould of Dawnamatrix, Chase Parker, Olga Saretsky, and Whimsy Forge. Each designer brings a unique artistic vision, creating one-of-a-kind wearable works that blur the lines between fashion and fine art.
The Bay to Bay Wearable Art Collective — formerly known as The Garden Fairies — is a group of artists who have a passion for creating unique wearable art. For more than a decade, Bay to Bay has captivated Pinellas County with colorful, elaborate creations — from exhibitions at Creative Pinellas to award-winning appearances at New York Fashion Week.
Talia Craig is an award-winning botanical artist and founder of Petunia’s, a creative floral design studio based in Tampa. Petunia’s is becoming known for producing elaborate, intricate, and ethereal floral headpieces, body flowers, and whimsical floral sets for photoshoots. As a hairdresser turned floral designer, Craig finds full creative freedom with flowers as her medium and used the design skills she obtained throughout her 13 years in the beauty industry, and applies them to her designs today.
Dawnamatrix designers Dawn Mostow and Ben Gould won the Overall International Design Award in 2019 and 2018, and the Wearable Technology Award in 2017 at the World of WearableArt Awards Competition in Wellington, New Zealand. Dawnamatrix garments have been displayed in museum and gallery spaces including the World of WearableArt Museum, Tacoma Art Museum, LeMay America’s Car Museum, George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum, and more. Dawnamatrix designer Dawn lived for many years in Japan and a strong Asian influence is reflected in her designs. Intricate applique is a prominent feature of Dawnamatrix garments and each one is a unique work of art.
Chase Parker is a visual artist born and raised in Tampa. Parker creates visually exciting and mind-mending illusions using mixed-media art. He works with a multitude of materials, from traditional media like painting, paper, and sculpture, and nontraditional media like books, vellum, and bullet shells.
Olga Saretsky always knew the power of the right costume firsthand. Her journey as a dancer began with a whirlwind of vibrant stages and thrilling performances across eastern Europe. Inspired, she combined her passion for dance with her design skills. Her stage experience taught her the importance of movement, comfort, and aesthetics – and fueled her desire to create those transformative pieces for the entire world.
“I create living art — moving sculptures inspired by dreams, fantasy, emotion, and personal experience,” Saretsky explains on the Kikimora Fashion website. “My work transforms imagination into wearable sculpture and performance for galleries, events, and immersive experiences. I want each character to have presence, to make people feel curiosity, beauty, wonder, or even strong reaction.”
Fantasy comes to life with Charity Grace LeBlanc, founder of Whimsy Forge. A self-taught fantasy designer, makeup artist, and creative force with a community of over 1.5 million followers, Charity is known for her vibrant handmade costumes, larger-than-life imagination, and inspiring makers around the world to create without limits.
“For 20 years, wearable ART has been a celebration of experimentation, storytelling, and amazing creative expression,” said Danny Olda, curator at the Dunedin Fine Art Center. “wearable ART 20: Platinum honors those two decades of creativity and community with the same energy, ingenuity, and sense of wonder that has made this event so beloved. I’m so excited for everyone to experience the work of these amazing artists and feel the same sense of possibility that I have.”
As one of DFAC’s premier annual fundraisers, wearable ART supports the center’s mission to provide inspiring exhibitions, educational programs, and creative opportunities for the community.
In honor of the 20th anniversary, attendees are encouraged to “Dress to Shine” by adding metallics, sequins, shimmering silver, or their own interpretation of celebratory sparkle to their attire.