Swaporamarama

ArtsConnect and Douglas College co-sponsor Swaporamarama, a fabulous event inspiring us to swap and 'art'ivate old clothes. We are happy to announce that our next Swaporamarama will be happening on Saturday, October 23 - just in time for Halloween! We'll take over the Main Atrium of Douglas College's David Lam Campus in Coquitlam from 10AM - 4PM. Admission is $2 for students, $4 for individuals and $6 for families. Plus a bag of your clean, used clothes, of course!

Swaporamarama's premise is that our culture is too involved in consuming and not involved enough in creating and re-creating. It taps into the DIY, green and frugal trends, and adds a fun, fashionable and social twist. Participants swap a bag of clean clothes they don't want anymore for some new-to-them items, and re-make them into something even better. Or, in other words, they re-funk their junk. There are materials, equipment and experienced help on hand as everyone decorates, sews, silkscreens or paints new creations.

There will be a red carpet where you can model your new creations, if that's your thing, comparing "before" and "after looks" and offering inspiration to others. But mostly, there's just be a whole lot of fun and a whole lot of people working together to create a great event.

Swaporamarama generously arranges a free silkscreening machine and inks through their sponsor, Yudu. Sundrop Textiles in Port Coquitlam generously sponsors Janome sewing machines for the event. And artists lend their creative inspiration. (Psst - If you have inspiration to lend, please This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it - we'd love your help!)

Our first Swaporamarama happened in March. We hosted hundreds people of all ages and abilities, and it was a total blast. To see what all the fuss is about, read our recap of the day.

Happy swapping!