My Story

Having been involved in creative industries the past 25+ years and putting several entries in the Wearable Art awards in my early 20’s, the love for ‘creating’ is at the core of my passion. Keeping the craft alive, inspiring both the younger and older generations to explore their creativity and innovation while offering an attainable platform for many to share their creations and concepts is key to my vision for Funk2Junk.

Two years ago, I posed the question ‘Friend or Foe’ when titling my entry for Junk2Funk and looked at the effect Covid-19 had on my industry and my life pace. Who could have predicted such a monumental change to our ‘normal’ as we knew it. It has not been easy readjusting, forging a new path forward and upon reflection, I think the reset has forced us to be more creative than ever before.

 Two years on and here I am, celebrating a more balanced lifestyle, making the time and offering to take over producing the Junk2Funk Wearable Art Weekend. Opening our tiny local event up to the rest of the country seemed like the most natural thing to do. It’s been a huge job to brand, build and create but with the passion for ‘creating’ at the heart of every action it’s a pleasure to celebrate the craft of ‘wearable art’ in a world where recycling needs to be front and centre of our existence. These days screens demand more of our attention than the excitement of costume designing did in my youth. Let us now use technology as an advantage and weave it through our recycled creations to create objects of beauty, concept and awe.

 Junk2Funk requires entries to be made of 75% recycled items or products and we hope you will be inspired to create, innovate and entertain. 

 With a focus on sustainability, diversity, accessibility and inclusion, Junk2Funk is produced ‘by the people for the people’ with a community of volunteers and supporters. If you would like to be involved, sponsor the show or have skills to share please do get in touch and help us create an entertaining event for everyone.

Come Join Us, 

Claire.

Producer

Hokitika – Cool Little Town

Beyond its historic gold-rush charm, wildly breathtaking scenery and pounamu, Hokitika has long been known for its creative events. Wearable art has featured at the AMP Shows, The Wild Food Festival, The Blackball Hilton and its own Junk2Funk awards over the years.

We welcome you to our cool little town to come and enjoy a Wearable Art Weekend and enjoy the wonderful attractions our awesome wee beachfront town has to offer.

CLAIRE O’CONNELL 2020

TBC 2019

CATHERINE MOFFITT 2018

CAROLYN FECHNEY 2017

BONNIE DEMPSTER 2016

ABBIE WINTER 2015

ABBIE WINTER 2014