Tacoma Art Place fundraiser features fun, fashions

TACOMA – Professional fashion designers will oversee the creation of runway creations and work with Tacoma Goodwill program participants in a design challenge for “Inspired Elegance” this Saturday.

The event is a fundraiser for Tacoma Art Place (TAP), a non-profit art center providing a communal art space and providing classes for children and adults in pottery, fiber arts, painting, photography and more in the Hilltop neighborhood. The event starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Hotel Murano, 1320 Broadway Plaza, in Tacoma. Tickets are $75 per person with tables of 10 available for $700. Call 253.756.5544 to R.S.V.P. for the event or email rsvp@tacomaartplace.org.

“This event is important to help provide continued, affordable access to art equipment for our community,” said Linda Danforth, TAP president and event founder. “We’re so pleased to partner with Tacoma Goodwill – not only did they provide the participants who will test their creative abilities, but the agency also donated dresses that will be reused with other recycled and some new fabrics for their fashion designs.”

For Goodwill participant Denise Armstrong, of Tacoma, the event is an opportunity to gain more self-confidence. Armstrong is a graduate of the agency’s Office Essentials program, teaching computer and office skills besides providing job placement support.

“I was kind of intimidated by the computer but the class broke the barrier I had,” said Armstrong. “Goodwill has always encouraged me and this event will help.”

You can learn more about the event by seeing TV Tacoma’s “CityLine” program. Artist Robbi Firestone will be the event emcee.

The event is similar to the reality TV show, “Project Runway.” Teams of designers will meet with Goodwill program participants and have one day to create their fashions – which they will model at the event. The participants will receive a makeover at Embellish Multispace Salon prior to the event. Spectators will be treated to dessert, wine, musical entertainment and a high-energy runway show. It will be followed by an opportunity to meet the designers and participants, along with silent and live auctions to support TAP programs.