by Ryan Donn

The Wearable Art Gala is not a fashion show in the traditional sense – it’s an artistic exploration blending clever design, breathtaking art, vaudeville humor and sheer spectacle.

On Saturday March 31, join over 50 artists as they prepare to alter your sense of sight, sound, taste, smell and touch.

With a reputation built over eight years of largely sold out performances, this popular community fundraising event is now moving venues.

Their new location at the Laurel Packinghouse will treat guests to an up close and immersive experience as they move the performance off-stage and engage their audience as never before.

Performers, including first-year visual arts students from UBC Okanagan Campus, are ready to challenge your expectations with full creative force.

This year the competition will heat up as students from the CATO Fashion Design Program team up to break the mold and engage all your senses. Students and professionals alike will be keeping an eye out for the 2009 peoples’ choice award winners, Kinshira, a local performance group who have their sights set on regaining your favour.

MC Michael V. Smith will set the tone as DJ Mark Mishadow and VJ Arthur Crazy Monkey create sound and visual projections to unite and excite. With full audio and visual support from SPL Sound Productions, all are ready to make this an event not to be missed.

Following the show, the doors will open for an after party as performers and guests pack the dance floor till the early morning.

Purchase your tickets now here or visit http://www.alternatorgallery.com for more information.

All proceeds go to support the Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art, a local charitable organization.