Walhalla High School showcased its creativity and commitment to sustainability during the second annual Recycled Fashion Show on Friday. The event, organized by the school’s National Art Honor Society, featured eco-conscious designs and artistic expression from students. The show was emceed by Warren Galbreath, father of art student Emma Galbreath, with musical accompaniment from the school’s drumline and the Walhalla Strings group.
Before the fashion began, Galbreath took a moment to reflect on the importance of the arts, noting how easy it is to overlook their value amidst the focus on sports and other school activities. “Art is special, and we often forget how integral it is to society,” he said. He highlighted how art impacts everything from brand logos to clothing designs and emphasized the bravery required for students to express themselves through their art.
Fashion Show Highlights
The first part of the show featured custom-designed jackets, where students selected an artist as inspiration. They then purchased a thrifted jacket and transformed it in the style of their chosen artist. The second part of the event highlighted recycled fashion, with outfits made from repurposed materials. Among the notable designs was a dress featuring a skirt made from cardboard snack boxes and another crafted from pleated construction paper. A flapper dress adorned with soda tabs added a unique, shimmering touch to the runway.
Awards and Recognition
During the intermission, judges deliberated, and the winners were announced. In the artist jacket category, Emily Sanders took third place with her Kandinsky-inspired jacket, while Rowan Luna won second place for a Mucha-inspired design. The first-place prize went to Liam Barker, whose jacket was based on the work of Jeff Koons.
In the recycled fashion category, the team of Kaydence Friesal and Allison Serano Pinto won third place for their “Authentic” dress made from trash bags. Second place went to “Need a Hand,” a dress made from rubber gloves by Haley Brock, Jahdai Marquez, and Mya Denning. The first-place winner was Elliott McDonald, whose “Winterguard Garden Gown” was crafted from old color guard supplies and showcased a vintage London-inspired look.
Student Perspectives
Student Ayden Beaudoin, who participated in both categories, shared how designing his jacket, inspired by artist Nicholas Krushenick, pushed him out of his comfort zone. “I don’t usually paint, so it was fun to try something new and express my own art style through the jacket,” he explained. Beaudoin added that his design was meant to be both a representation of Krushenick’s work and his own creativity, using bright colors to attract attention.
Art Teacher’s Insight
Teena Hunt, the event’s organizer and art teacher, said this year’s show was an expansion of last year’s event, which was done in collaboration with the fashion class. “The students are learning to solve problems, collaborate, and create something meaningful,” she said. Hunt emphasized that the skills the students develop through projects like this are valuable in the real world. “This is not just about art; it’s about learning to think critically, work with others, and solve problems—skills that employers value,” she said.
Hunt also highlighted the connection between art and the environment, underscoring the importance of raising awareness about sustainability through creative expression. “Everything in life is connected to art,” she concluded. “If you have talent, be proud of it, and use it to make a difference.”
The event was not just a display of creativity, but a reminder of how art can play a role in both personal expression and environmental awareness.
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