ValRealLifeModel from last years show. Photo credit: Val WestonThe Tapestry of Talent Fiber Art Fashion show, a fundraiser for the SW Women's Fiber Arts Collective (SWFAC) features wearable fiber art and accessories. The fiber art fashions made by members of SWFAC showcase one-of-a-kind designs constructed especially for the event. The show will be held Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 2 pm with doors opening at 1:30 pm at the historic Silco Theater located at 311 N. Bullard St. in downtown Silver City. Funds raised by the event will go to support classes, outreach to the community, and sales events.

"SWFAC was founded in 2005 to provide rural fiber artists a means to earn income, share fiber art skills with others and promote fiber art as a cottage industry. Throughout the years, we have gone to shows across the state, had a gallery, and now focus on pop-up events, our annual fiber art show and the Tapestry of Talent fashion show fundraiser," states Colette Kelly board member. "We currently have fifty-four members and are growing. Many women are taught fiber art skills as youth and these skills now provide additional income."

"Many of the fashions and accessories for the fashion show will be available for sale immediately after the show. This year, there will be an additional sale for ticket holders only. It's a great opportunity to see forms of fiber art you may not be familiar with and of course it is a fundraiser to support our classes and outreach programming." Kelly continues, "All of the fashions are one-of-a-kind and include handwoven, knitted, felted, hand-dyed silks, hand sewn, upcycled, quilted items and so much more. We have great models lined up, both men and women and youth. We sold out last year and we are excited to share this experience with the community."

In addition to the show, there will be wonderful gift basket drawings. SWFAC members and community members have donated items to make the baskets appealing to everyone. The baskets will be raffled at the show and are only available to fashion show ticket holders.

Seating for the event is open and attendees are encouraged to come early at 1:30 pm to be sure to get the seat they want. Refreshments will be available in the Silco Theater concession.

We are especially grateful to our sponsors, the Town of Silver City and Janey and Suzi. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online on our homepage at www.fiberartscollective.org  starting at the end of February. Again, we sold out last year and encourage people to purchase their tickets early."

SWFAC was founded in 2005 and is a local, all volunteer, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with the goal to stimulate and support successful cottage industry in the southwest. To accomplish this, SWFAC members nurture and empower one another. Both novice and skilled SWFAC artists enrich the community by fostering opportunities to gain new experience and expand talent as well as earn income from their art. Please visit SWFAC's website at www.fiberartscollective.org  to learn more about the organization.