The Best of 100 Dresses: A Vibrant Art Exhibition

Its been years in the making and its time it was seen!
An eclectic range of mixed media artworks along with 100 watercolour pieces. Inspired by the book 'The 100 Dresses' which has an anti bullying message.
I invite you to also create a small piece to add to the show, there will be a table with supplies to do this throughout the event.

Frankton Gallery, 10 High Street, Frankton, Hamilton

Open to the public from the 12th May until the 30th May 2018

Gallery open 12- 5 Tuesday - Saturday or by appt (More hours and days coming soon....watch this space!)

The Show may be long over but you can still see and purchase some of the reamaining watercolour dresses from this exhibition. Take a look at them in the Dresses Artwork Gallery along with other contemporary dress artwork by NZ artist Collette Fergus.

The Hundred Dresses: A Timeless Tale Inspiring Artistic Tributes

Eleanor Estes' timeless children's book, The Hundred Dresses, has captivated readers for generations with its poignant story and thought-provoking themes. This heartfelt narrative explores the profound impact of empathy, kindness, and the consequences of our actions, resonating with readers of all ages.

However, its influence extends beyond the book's pages, inspiring contemporary artists worldwide, including renowned New Zealand artist Collette Fergus. In a remarkable tribute to Estes' work, Fergus recreated a collection of 100 watercolour paintings of dresses, infusing the story with her own artistic vision and paying homage to its enduring message.

Estes weaves a touching tale that revolves around a young Polish girl named Wanda Petronski, who faces relentless teasing by her classmates due to her shabby clothes and unfounded claims about owning a hundred beautiful dresses.

Through the eyes of the compassionate protagonist, Maddie, readers are taken on an introspective journey, delving into themes of friendship, empathy, and the profound impact of our words and actions.

The beauty of Estes' writing lies in her ability to evoke genuine emotions and spark introspection in readers. The Hundred Dresses serves as a poignant reminder of the lasting impact our choices and treatment of others can have. In addition, it explores the importance of understanding, accepting, and embracing diversity.

This message continues to resonate in today's increasingly interconnected world.

Collette Fergus, a gifted artist hailing from New Zealand, was captivated by The Hundred Dresses' themes and emotional depth. Inspired by Wanda's imaginative claim of owning a hundred exquisite dresses, Fergus embarked on a remarkable artistic endeavour. Through her masterful use of watercolour, Fergus recreated the enchanting vision of these dresses, bringing each one to life with vibrant hues, delicate brushstrokes, and meticulous attention to detail.

The resulting collection of 100 watercolour paintings is a breathtaking tribute to the enduring power of Estes' story. Fergus's artistic talent shines through in each piece, capturing the essence of Wanda's imagined dresses while infusing them with her own unique style and interpretation.

The delicate interplay of colours, textures, and forms in Fergus's paintings reflects Estes' narrative's ethereal beauty and emotional depth.

This fusion of literature and visual art serves as a testament to the enduring influence of Eleanor Estes' The Hundred Dresses. By inspiring such creativity and expression, the book continues to resonate with audiences across generations. Fergus's tribute not only pays homage to Estes' work but also showcases the profound connection between literature and art, demonstrating how a story can inspire a contemporary artist to breathe new life into its themes and messages.

"The Hundred Dresses" by Eleanor Estes remains a cherished literary masterpiece, enchanting readers young and old with its timeless message of empathy and acceptance. Its ability to inspire contemporary artists, such as the renowned New Zealand artist Collette Fergus, showcases the enduring impact of this remarkable story.

Fergus's collection of 100 watercolour paintings of dresses is a stunning tribute, a testament to the profound connection between literature and art and the lasting influence of stories that touch our hearts and souls.

Why not check out a recent new addition too - The Forgotten Dress