only because it’s sustainable, but because there’s so much inspiration in seeing a pile of sleeves and being like, ‘That could be something.’” Every scrap of fabric or piece of packaging has a chance at a second life with her, a chance to bring a bit of magic into the world in a way that’s refreshing and delightful. She lovingly stores these snippets until they can make their debut, which these days, is often at a Meow Wolf Makers event. MEOW WOLF MAKERS This new workshop series was dreamt up in Denver as a way to connect people with their inner artist, giving them both guidance and free rein to create in an intimate, communal setting. Past workshops have crafted shoe charms, wings, masks, holiday garlands, foam wigs, and even an open craft evening where participants could create with whatever inspiration struck them. Kate shared that 90 percent of the materials provided at these workshops as supplies are trash or scrap materials from Meow Wolf exhibits, diverting hundreds of pounds of waste from landfills. At these workshops, while participants are encouraged to go big and think outside of the box with their creations, Kate is never far away to offer positive feedback or troubleshoot something tricky with you. She’s attentive and encouraging, creating a safe space for artistic expression that transforms scraps into something truly special. TRASHION SHOW In addition to launching a new makers series, Kate Major was the mastermind behind Meow Wolf’s inaugural onsite fashion show: Absolute Rubbish. She put out a call to local designers to submit their concepts for runway looks made from repurposed trash and recycled materials: the show was a dazzling success, with 20 pieces of sustainable couture strutting down a runway that was more party than proper. The vibes were vivacious and the energy was sparkling; the audience adorned in their own vibrant fits. Kate brought her runway vision back to life on April 30th with Absolute Rubbish: Bloom, a spring edition inspired by themes of rebirth and rejuvenation with 22 participating designers. EARLY DAYS AS A CREATOR Kate’s earliest creations also came out of “repurposed materials,” like her family’s bedding. “To my mom’s chagrin, I would cut up bed sheets and make outfits. I started sewing very early — my grandma and my mom taught me because I wanted to make my own clothes. I also really liked to make stuffed animals when I was little. When I figured out that you could do that, it was over. We had this dresser in the kitchen that had all the craft supplies in it and that’s where I hung out. I was crafting with pipe cleaners and popsicle sticks and glitter and paint and clay and Play-Doh and all that stuff.” These days, Kate’s crafting zone has expanded from just a kitchen dresser, but still has cozy touches that feel homey to her. Citing her aforementioned clothes-ruining materials, she shared that she often works in pajamas, rather than wearing anything nicer in her home studio. Her creative practice also includes lighting a lavender candle, preparing some tea, and putting lo-fi tunes on her headphones. It’s a dream to now have Kate Major creating for Meow Wolf and luckily for us, she feels the same way. “Working for Meow Wolf has become so important to me and my art practice. I’ve always been doing art on some level, but I think since I started working here, I’ve really come into my own as to what my art is. I feel like there is a huge amount of freedom to express that, because Meow Wolf exists. I feel so supported and like all ideas are valid, and that’s such an important thing.” FOLLOW KATE’S WORK & SEE HIGHLIGHTS OF APRIL’S ABSOLUTE RUBBISH: BLOOM SHOW ON HER INSTAGRAM: @ATIGHTSHIP; & ON MEOW WOLF DENVER’S: @CONVERGENCESTATION. A MODEL AT KATE'S TRASHION SHOW, ABSOLUTE RUBBISH. PHOTO BY MONICA LLOYD. WANDERING CHARACTER BY KATE AT MEOW WOLF DENVER. PHOTO BY JESS GALLO, ATLAS MEDIA. KATE MAJOR AT ABSOLUTE RUBBISH. PHOTO BY MONICA LLOYD. SEE KATE’S MONSTERS & MORE AT CONVERGENCE STATION IN DENVER, CO: MEOWWOLF.COM/VISIT/DENVER. CHECK OUT MEOW WOLF'S OTHER PORTALS NEAR YOU: SANTA FE, NM; LAS VEGAS, NV; GRAPEVINE, TX; AND COMING SOON: HOUSTON, TX! - MEOWWOLF.COM/VISIT
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