Conscious Party: On the catwalk

WHAT: Color Me Goodwill: A Fusion of Fashion, Art and Food for a Mission

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 27, 6 p.m.

WHERE: The Venue, 21 N. Market St., Asheville

WHY: Join local models and fashionistas on the catwalk to support Goodwill, its community programs and the environment. This unique fashion show features upcycled clothing designed from items found at Goodwill stores. “The designers come at this from different angles, such as recycling and environmental preservation. Goodwill diverts more than 40,000,000 pounds of items from landfills just in northwestern North Carolina each year,” notes Goodwill VP of marketing and communications Jaymie Eichorn.

Each of six Goodwill community programs will be represented by a different color, and designers will display their color creations on professional models; the last model featuring each designer’s color will be a Goodwill graduate, program participant or staff member who works in that particular program. “These programs are one reason we are putting on this event — the impact of people’s donations and shopping helps people in the community receive job training and placement. It goes so much further than just retail,” Eichorn explains.

During each color presentation, local artists will be creating “flash art,” quickly-orchestrated pieces available for purchase during the reception; there, attendees can meet participants and vote for their favorite color designer and artist. Local columnist Susan Reinhardt emcees.

The evening’s fashions will also be on sale, and a portion of proceeds from art and clothing sales will benefit Goodwill. The entire ticket price will go to help raise awareness about Goodwill’s programs and service offerings. Tickets to the show are $15 and include a raffle drawing entry, heavy appetizers and one drink. For more information, check out the website at colormegoodwill.org. — Michael McDonald