by Noella Noelophile®
One week from tonight, at 6:00 pm, is going to be exciting.
That’s when the first-ever Fiber Arts Fashion Show benefit event, in support of new nonprofit yes4arts, takes to the stage at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center. Visitors will see the work of five different designers!
And this is going to be a celebration of local creativity, and making the arts accessible to the next generation.
Nonprofit yes4arts inspires and empowers anyone who would like to learn needle arts. Founder Paula Bennett has been crocheting since she was a girl–and her designs tend to be slinky, sexy, romantic and anything but the stereotypical “crochet” image.
Yes4arts teaches free ongoing classes in crochet, knitting, and basic sewing. Anyone, from beginner level on up, is welcome to come and learn. Paula teaches classes on weekends at her booth in CRAFTED, in San Pedro, and her volunteers also teach at schools and senior centers.One of Paula’s specialties is teaching young girls how to crochet so they can make their own prom dresses.
But younger students are also welcome. On Fridays, fellow artist Katherine Monasterio teaches classes in making these stuffed animals!
Paula says that next Saturday evening’s show will include seven different designs. Among the designers supporting the show with their talents are Vintage Soul, which creates flirty feminine corsets and elaborate costumes, and LF Cubed Designs.
“I can’t even describe the jewelry he makes,” Paula says. “You’ll just have to see it.” (LF Cubed proprietor Luis Fournier creates unique accessories and home items out of recycled circuit boards and e-waste!)
Best of all, one hundred percent of the evening’s profits will go to support yes4arts, according to their website, and their goal is to keep these arts free and alive to everyone. (While Paula doesn’t ask for money, she does request that each of her students volunteer to teach the art she’s taught them to someone else. Volunteers are welcome to help, and she can also use donations of yarn and crochet hooks.)
There are still some tickets available for next Saturday’s Fiber Arts Fashion Show. You’re cordially, and creatively, invited to come out and support a great nonprofit that’s empowering the next generation of fiber artists!
Nonprofit 501(c) charity yes4arts’ first Fiber Arts Fashion Show happens Saturday evening, July 25th, from 6 to 10 pm at Toyota Meeting Hall, which is part of Torrance Cultural Arts Center. They’re located at 3330 Civic Center Drive, near Madrona, in Torrance. NOTE: while the flyer lists ticket prices at $35, advance sale price is $25 each. Here’s the link for more information.
Like to know more about Paula’s free classes in knitting, sewing and crochet, or to help her preserve these arts by volunteering? Stop by her booth at CRAFTED, in San Pedro, on Saturdays and Sundays!