Spring Forward: See local fashion paired with art at The Parliament's fundraiser

If you go

What: The Parliament's Spring Forward fashion and art event

When: Doors open at 6:30 p.m., event begins at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 16

Where: The Bond, 134 E. King St., York

Cost: $55

Admission includes: A 2015 Spring Forward Look Book, refreshments, catered food, access to open bar

Purchase tickets: Tickets are available at The Parliament, at other participating merchants or at www.parliamentyork.org/events .

Proceeds benefit: The Parliament Arts Organization

For more information: Visit www.parliamentyork.org/events .

At some point or another, you've probably taken time to coordinate outfits with your date before an evening out.

Maybe you even planned your outfit to match your new car.

But have you ever paired your clothes with a piece of artwork?

That's the idea behind The Parliament Arts Organization's fundraiser Spring Forward 2015.

The third annual event, held Saturday, May 16 during The Bond's grand opening, will bring local merchants and artists together by pairing fashion from downtown stores with local, regional and international artwork.

"Stores downtown are a really big part of what people do here, going shopping and stuff like that, and the galleries are another prominent thing people do, so it's a really cool thing to bring them together," The Parliament programs director Stacy McClain said.

At the event, about seven or eight models wearing local merchants' designs will pose next to their paired piece of artwork. This model presentation will replace the fashion show that The Parliament held in previous years. This way, guests can interact with the models and see the clothing, jewelry and art up close, McClain said.

Guests should expect to see a lot of fun pieces inspired by spring color palettes as well as fun, spring garments ranging from casual wear to business attire.

"We wanted it to be spring-inspired and fun and bright and vibrant," McClain said.

Pairing the clothes and art was just like picking out an outfit, she said. Some pieces work well together because they're complete opposites, such as a loud piece of artwork with a simple outfit. Others were paired based on similar colors or patterns, she said.

The Parliament chose to feature several local artists, including painter Andi Simpson and fiber artist Barbara Wilke. But other showcased pieces come from as far away as Japan.

Additional artwork, including drawings, paintings, mixed media, photography and cut paper, will also be placed around the room to give the space more of a gallery feel, McClain said.

The evening will also include live music, food catered by JDK, an open bar, a video presentation and a "secret" performance.

"It will be something people won't expect, and we're excited to see their reactions," McClain said.

Guests can purchase artwork during the event, but the clothing will not be for sale until the next day. Prices for the art range from around $50 to more than $1,000, McClain said.

At the end of the night, guests will take home a free look book, featuring 12 spreads of this year's Spring Forward fashion and art. The book includes all of the prices for the clothes and art as well as contact information for the merchants and artists.

The book will also be available at The Parliament and participating downtown stores after the event.

"It's fun for people that couldn't come because they can still see what's going on," McClain said.

Artists and merchants

Artists:

Katherine Gagnon

M.R. Morrison

Jaime Misenheimer

Eric Fink

Elaina Posey

Meisa Chase

Mylan Nguyen

Barbara Wilke

Michael Cerbone

Susan Skelley

Tessa Seiwert

Terri Yacovelli

Mary Schultz

Kelsey Raudensky

Arthur Caleb Robertson

Carol Oldenburg

Shelby Seaton

Alexis McKenzie

Andi Simpson

Linda Fink

Darin Potts

Michael John Minutoli

Tyler Spranger

Michele Maule

Ellie Carlson

Danika Ostrowski

Jamie Schlosser

Merchants:

Arthur & Daughers

Elizabeth & West

Indigo Bleu

Kimman's

Redeux Marketplace

Sweet Melissa's Dream

The Watchmaker's Daughter

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