Wearable arts competition in Samoa raises funds for Aitutaki

11 year old Brianna Fruean won the ‘2010 Ultimate design’ award of “Our Vibrant Environment” wearable arts competition for her submission “Baby Blossoms”. She also won the “People’s Choice” award as well as the “Our vibrant environment” theme award. Jasmine Heather won the “Natural fibers and recyclable materials” award.
The fundraising competition received six submissions from talented and creative residents of Samoa, which will be exhibited at the Samoa National Museum in July and August.
The wearable arts entries were showcased and judged at the “Alofa Aitutaki” fundraiser coordinated by the Cook Islands Community in Samoa, that are raising funds to help with the cyclone relief efforts in the Cook Islands.
“The entries were of an excellent standard, both in terms of creativity, design and the theme,” said Nanette Woonton of the Cook Islands Community in Samoa.
“I think a lot of those in the audience were in awe of all the stunning creations which took a lot of time and effort on behalf of the designers. I know the judges had a difficult time while judging as they all were simply amazing.”
Ms. Jackie Loheni, Mrs. Cecilia Keil and Mr. Espen Ronneberg were the judges on the night awarding points based upon design, creativity, natural fibres and recyclable materials and the interpretation of the theme “Our vibrant environment”.
This years’ theme is a celebration of the “Value Island Biodiversity – it’s our Life” campaign as part of the International Year of Biodiversity. It was also encouraged that entries use only natural fibers and recyclable materials in designing their wearable art piece.
“We had wearable art pieces made from vines and leaves, crushed bottle caps, rubbish bags, coconut leaves, bubble wrap and even a dress made from cans which were crushed and cut,” said Woonton.
“The creativeness of the designers was amazing and I think people should make every effort to visit the exhibition in several months time at the museum.”
Corporate tables were sold for the “Alofa Aitutaki” fundraiser where the wearable arts submissions were showcased during a night of fun and entertainment. All funds raised will be sent to the Cook Island Red Cross who will assist with disbursement to help with cyclone relief efforts.
“We’d like to express our appreciation and gratitude to all sponsors who came forward to purchase tables for our fundraiser, as well as the local businesses here that supported this cause. We received awesome donations during the night. We’d also like to congratulate the creative talents of the designers that submitted entries.”
“Without any of the alofa shown to us – none of this would have been possible. The bonds of Pacific family across our region are alive and strong.”

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