Art Center Sarasota Presents "iconcept jr" Fashion Show

SARASOTA, FL -- Art Center Sarasota will present the third annual “iconcept jr” runway event, Sunday, Sept. 23, noon to 2 p.m., at Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.

The event features a runway fashion show of outfits and accessories created from unconventional materials by more than 25 artists and designers who are between the ages of 8 and 16.

General admission tickets, which include a buffet lunch, are $50 for adults and $25 for youth under 16. VIP tickets are $75 and include reserved seating at the runway. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit Art Center Sarasota’s youth programs. To purchase tickets, visit artsarasota.org or call 941-365-2032.

According to Lisa Berger, director of Art Center Sarasota and the founder of the original "iconcept" runway event, "iconcept jr" was developed to give talented young designers a public event where they can express their fashion abilities. Berger says some of these young people attend Fashion Bootcamp at the center during the school year and in the summer, and there they learn how to create wearable fashions and accessories using recycled and repurposed materials, along with fabric. The students work directly with artists who are experienced in design and construction. Along with skills in making clothing, the young designers develop their creative thinking and problem solving skills, and boost their self-esteem.

"The Art Center’s mission is to provide opportunities for creative expression,” says Berger. “We believe that giving young people access to something they have passion for will help them throughout their lives. Most of these young designers will also wear their outfits in the runway show, adding self-confidence and stage presence to their skill set.”