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News Release

Last modified: Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Trash to treasure: IU ArtsWeek Trashion/ReFashion event shows off transformed recycled goods

WHAT: Trashion/ReFashion show, an ArtsWeek 2010 event
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 20, 7 p.m.
WHERE: The Bloomington Convention Center, 302 S. College Ave.
TICKETS: $15 for adults in advance, $10 for youth in advance at the Buskirk-Chumley Box Office, 114 E. Kirkwood Ave., or $20 at the door.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 10, 2010

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- One man's trash is another man's fashion statement.

As part of Indiana University's 26th annual ArtsWeek 2010, The Center for Sustainable Living will showcase environmentally friendly threads in Trashion/ReFashion, a fashion show featuring new looks crafted from used or recycled resources. Proceeds will support The Center for Sustainable Living.

The event will consist of two, 20-minute runway segments and interactive audience activities that include designing artwork with trash generated throughout the evening.

Jeanne Leimkuhler, the treasurer for The Center for Sustainable Living, said Trashion/ReFashion is the result of eight months of hard work and planning.

"We want people to consider what they may be discarding at home, and why they can reuse," she said. "Often you can create something functional."

"Trashion" incorporates recycling bin contents into ready-to-wear ensembles, said Leimkuhler. Bloomington "Trashionistas" crafted dresses from newspapers, video tape, microfilm and other discarded materials to promote alternative recycling methods on the catwalk.

"ReFashion" refreshes old wardrobes with new, fashion-forward twists. All looks are assembled from used articles of clothing. Items fashioned from 90 percent recycled content will be for sale during a silent auction.

Leimkuhler said her design -- a dress created with used goods found around her home -- took about 20 hours to sew together.

"My favorite part of designing is playing with the material and seeing what form it wants to naturally take," she said. "I enjoyed finding the beauty of a material that was created to be something more utilitarian."

"Trashion" is partially sponsored by Markey's Audio Visual, Bloomington Brewing Company and Les Champs Elysees Day Spa and Salon.

The Center for Sustainable Living, located on 323 S. Walnut St., is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization that was formed by Bloomington residents in 1992. "Trashion" ticket sales will benefit the center's upkeep and future event funding. For more information, see https://www.simplycsl.org/.

ArtsWeek

Begun in 1984, ArtsWeek is a significant annual showcase for the creative work of artists from Indiana University and the city of Bloomington, with prestigious performers, artists and writers from across the country taking part. For more information and a complete schedule of events, see the www.artsweek.indiana.edu.

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