Mannequins On the Loop has promoted eco consciousness, local businesses, and local artists since 2009, when Audrey Jones and her mother, Dorothy Davis, started this beloved annual event in The Loop.
It is fitting that the project, which encourages artists to use all recycled materials to decorate their mannequins, takes place in The Loop, which is our nation’s second Green Dining District! Jones told the GDA that she “love(s) The Loop for its diversity and for the variety of independent businesses, where you can come into shops you can meet the actual owner.” She is proud of her event, which promotes awareness about recycling, draws attention to local businesses, and shares art with the public.
Mannequins in the project are decorated in re-purposed materials – artists are strongly advised to not buy anything new for their creations. Even the mannequins themselves were rescued from the landfill – some mannequins are missing fingers, or have holes in them, or just simply aren’t perfect anymore for their original use… But they’re perfect for this incredible event, which is held along Delmar Blvd. in The Loop!
Some mannequins are in less than perfect condition – but they’re perfect for re-purposing!
Artists receive their mannequins on Earth Day, April 22, and will have 4 weeks to assemble their finished product, which will stay in front of the business the artist chooses to represent from May 20th through June 8th – that’s when the winner will be chosen by a panel of esteemed judges (from Washington University, the St. Louis Art Museum and the History Museum) at the finale, held at Create Space. The winner will receive $500, and their work will be on display in the U. City Public Library for an entire year!
2016 first place winner.
Right now, Mannequins On The Loop is seeking artists for the project. This year’s theme is Reuse Recycle Sustain.
Design submissions should:
- Be tailored to promote a specific independent business in The Loop.
- Be designed to withstand the weather
- Be designed to be touched – this art project isn’t in a museum, and, as Jones says, “Mannequins On the Loop is an interactive artistic experience,” so every item used must somehow be attached to the mannequin. There is an application fee of $100 to participate in the project.
All sorts of artists are encouraged to participate – Jones has had clothing designers, sculptors, and painters create mannequins, as well as nontraditional artists like motorcycle repairmen and furniture designers create their own unique mannequin.
The deadline for submissions is April 18th – click here to apply!
Mannequins on the Loop 2015 Winner
