An Arty Storm over the Kaipara, The Gum Boot Fairy and A Spanner in the Worx

"Storm Over Kaipara"
Overall Winner for the 2009 Paparoa Wearable Arts Gala
Designer: Grace Portanger Modelled by the designer

One thing I love about living here in the Kaipara District, are the events a lot of hard working people in our community put on during the year. One in particular, had me out with the camera taking loads of photographs of some very stunning arty creations. Each year Progressive Paparoa holds its Annual Wearable Arts Gala. This year the creations were outstanding, and naturally, it was way too hard to choose which one should be the over all winner from out of the categories. High School Student Grace Portanger took out the Supreme Award with her brilliant creation "Storm Over Kaipara" and it was one incredible creation.

There were all kinds of amazing creations coming down the runway. The Gumboot Fairy strutted her stuff, throwing her magic dust to get the grass growing again - now Spring has finally arrived. My great friend Anne designed the costume, and wonderful Sharon who sends me great articles for the Matakohe Music Makers stepped out to the music of the song 'These Boots were made for Walking". Hope the Gum Boot Fairy's gumboots are water tight unlike yours truly who still has to replace hers before the next winter comes..

"Gum Boot Fairy" Designer: Anne Shanks Model: Sharon Duffy

These Boots were made for Walking and that's just what they'll do...

The Gum Boot Fairy was a good thing to have around on that Saturday Night. There was a problem entry. We had to watch that one. He wanted very badly to put a spanner in the works..

"Spanner in the Worx" By "Spannerman"
Designer: James Duffy Model: Jim Duffy

He had it all worked out did the Spannerman. With his great big spanner he was going to put a spanner in the worx for sure. He strutted his stuff letting that audience know he was there to take that prize for certain...
Little did Spanner in the Worx know - the three clever Sugar Plum Fairies were soon on the case..

"Sugar Plum Fairies" Designer: Anne Shanks Models: Michelle Clark, Anne Shanks, Inaya Clark

Hmm those three look very familiar hold on a minute...hey that's Michelle and Inaya helping Anne sort out that Spanner in the Worx with all their good magic and wishes...

The Head Sugar Plum Fairy soon made sure that Spanner in the Worx was sent on his way but heck he did put on one great show. Well that's this post. I'm shattered after processing photos half of the night. I'll put up all of the contestants photos in the next blog post and they seriously were spectacular. In the end though, for the grand prize there could only be one winner - and that was Storm over Kaipara. Overall though everyone who entered was a winner and they all deserved credit for their incredible creations..more coming..tomorrow.