Art, design & music live in Old Strathcona
We are so excited to once again partner with the SkirtsAfire festival. From March 4-14, experience amazing art, design, and music come to life right here in Old Strathcona. With a strong history of featuring women-identifying and non-binary artists, it was a perfect opportunity to match this year’s Skirt Design competition finalists with a women owned business in the area to display their work.
Packaged In Florals
“Over the course of the pandemic, we have seen the important role that plastic plays in ensuring health and sanitation. The choice in materials for this design highlights how for this reason, it is important that we limit our plastic usage where we can so that we are able to use plastic where it really matters. This skirt was inspired by the beauty of Mother Nature and her creations. The flowers that symbolize revival and rebirth are “blossoming” amongst the plastic packaging, which serves to create a sense of hope in such trying times.” – Skirt Designer, Joanne Ngo
Photos courtesy of April MacDonald Killins Photography / @april_mac_killins
About Joanne
Joanne Ngo is an artist, seamstress, crafter, educator, and the owner of HelloPiggy Creations. She loves to share her passion of creating with the world through her artwork and handmade items. She had the opportunity to explore these passions further through her studies at the University of Alberta, majoring in Human Ecology/Education and minoring in Art. Joanne has always loved upcycling and getting creative with limited materials. This can be seen in the past upcycled wearable art competitions she’s participated in where she made dresses and skirts out of VHS tapes, plastic bags, and sewing pattern tissue. Additionally, Joanne has included upcycled elements in some of her handmade products and packaging for HelloPiggy Creations. After the pandemic, you’ll find her competing in Art Battles, teaching more paint nights, and connecting with other local makers in handmade markets!
Red Pony
You’ll find Red Pony on the East side of Whyte Avenue, next door to the Acoustic Music Shop – which happens to be owned by Yannick’s spouse, Rod! Yannick is inspired by clothing with historical references, busy vintage patterns, and geometric minimalism.
We like to think of clothing as art, and couldn’t agree more when Yannick shared that local designer, “KYN Apparel’s creations are made with such incredible fabrics, I just want to hang them on my wall!” Founded by Alèthe Kaboré, KYN Apparel blends African prints with contemporary designs to create bold & unique fashions.
When it comes to shopping sustainably, consignment stores are a great way to find well curated and unique items. Besides, everyone loves the thrill of a good thrifted find, right?! Popular brands at Red Pony are often from local designers like Workhall, Poppy Barley, Sessa Wearables, and Salgado Fenwick (just to name a few).
So, don’t miss out! Be sure to follow them on Instagram @redponyonwhyte and check their online shop often because once it’s gone…it’s gone. Or, say hello to the team in store on Thursdays & Fridays from 12pm-6pm and Saturdays from 10am-5pm!
Alex Bousmal (co-worker) and Yannick Vienne (owner) twinning outside of Red Pony! 9940 82 Avenue
Grab a warm drink and a (masked) friend and join us for a COVID-safe stroll around Old Strathcona to experience the Visual Art Exhibit, Skirt Design Competition, and Key of Me singer-songwriter series.
About SkirtsAfire
Founded in 2012, SkirtsAfire is Edmonton’s only theatre and multidisciplinary arts organization featuring women-identifying and non-binary artists. In conjunction with International Women’s Day, our 10 day programming runs each March at various venues in Edmonton. We present powerful and insightful stories to a diverse audience that is hungry to be moved by passionate performances and exhibitions. Programming reflects the true diversity of the thriving arts community in Alberta and Canada, and is adaptive in its approach in order to remain responsive to the needs of artists and audiences.
SkirtsAfire values diversity in the women we represent and therefore welcomes women artists of all diverse backgrounds including trans women, self-identifying women, non-binary people, the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, all ethnicities and all abilities.
About International Women’s Day
IWD provides an important moment to showcase commitment to women’s equality, launch new initiatives and action, celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness, highlight gender parity gains and more.
Collectively every person and all groups can make a difference within their sphere of influence by taking concrete action to help build a more gender equal world. From small powerful grassroots gatherings to large-scale conference and events – International Women’s Day is celebrated everywhere. It’s a day for big inspiration and change.
Read more about IWD’s herstory here.