The Morgan’s 3rd annual Dress to IMPRESS was a Stellar Sold-Out Success!
by Diana Greenberg Zubal
The Morgan Conservatory’s 3rd annual Dress to IMPRESS paper fashion fundraiser on Saturday, October 3rd was a stellar sold-out success with higher attendance than ever - nearly 300! This memorable celebration of paper fashion and wearable art showcased 14 stunning ensembles by our talented artist-designers, who spent months responding to this year’s theme, Brave New Worlds. A hyper-stylish and fashion-forward era that embraces multiple and new realities, it was fascinating seeing the artists’ interpretations of the theme.
Dress to IMPRESS directly supports the Morgan’s educational and artistic programs throughout the year, helping to bring high quality workshops, gallery exhibitions, and studio facilities to the community and artists of Cleveland, Northeast Ohio, and beyond.
The glamorous, magical evening included a juried runway show, an accompanying fine arts exhibition, silent and online auctions, tasty bites and beverages, DJ NicNacc, and more. Kat Novak, assistant professor for Kent State University’s School of Fashion and Director of the TechStyleLAB and April (Ape) Bleakney, founder of APE MADE served as judges. First place went to Joyce Morrow Jones's breathtaking dress and ethereal bonnet titled Flowers and Butterflies. Second place was awarded to JoAnn Giordano for her captivating creation, Wildfire Alert, and honorable mention went to Diane Britt for her intricate ensemble, Fruiting Bodies.
The Morgan is immensely grateful to their presenting sponsor Hickman Lowder Lidrbauch & Welch Co., L.P.A. as well as individual sponsors including Jill Fowler, James Gruzosky, Vantage Financial, M.P. Marion, Jerry Smith & Sue Starrett. Gratitude extends to all of the artists who participated in the exhibition and auction, the attendees, board members, in addition to the business and auction item donors. Most of all, hats off to the talented artists-designers, Debbie Apple-Presser, Diane Britt, Paula Damm, JoAnn Giordano, Tanya Kaiser, Barbara Nell-Morejon with Marlene Gruetter, Joyce Morrow Jones, Denyce Renee, Chrystal Robinson, Megan Romanchok, Darl Schaaff, Lindsay Stefans, and Tony Williams for their creativity, dedication, and all of their hard work making out-of-this-world creations predominantly made of paper. This year's memorable Dress to IMPRESS was incredible; can't wait for next year's
