With only a few weeks to go, our Highball Halloween committee is in full blown planning mode, but don’t worry there is fun to be had in designing an event for 25,000+ attendees. After all with high fashion, fun for kids and dog costumes the excitement of Highball 2010 Curiouser and Curiouser has already begun.

When asked what the funnest part of planning is Carmen Owens of Surly Girl Saloon replied, “Doing the promotion has been so much fun! Getting out on the street in costume and getting people excited about the event. I didn’t think I’d have that much fun but it was a blast. I get to hang out with Diesha, Charly and Dave!”

After walking to district as the Mad Hatter on this past weekend’s Gallery Hop committee chairman, Charly Bauer of Jeni’s Ice Cream is “most excited about the VIP and the staging area. This year we will have a high-end experience with a heated tent, private bar, and front stage viewing.  Get your tickets now, they are only $50 before October 15th. And the large projection system in the several areas of the event area will give the crowd a view of the show from anywhere!”

In order to make the VIP tent and these multiple projection systems a reality Kasey Skobel-Conyers, of Bliss Wedding and Event Design, has worked to create a design that maximizes the viewer experience. “When it comes to planning organization is key and so is trusting your team. I think the most fun has been dreaming up the design and the day of the event when it all comes together is one of my favorite moments”.

SNBA Membership Director Jessica Stopp has taken charge of this year’s Dogtober, Dog Costume Contest. “Events in the Short North always bring out the creativity in people. The Dogtober Halloween Costume Contest is no different! I’m really looking forward to seeing the fabulous dog costumes pet owners bring to the show. We hope to draw dogs and owners not only from the Short North but from all over Central Ohio. Most of all, we want everyone and every dog to have fun!”

For the little ones, the Kid Zone, organized by Sarah Delay of Little Dreamers Big Believers Daycare, will be full of Halloween excitement. The Kid’s Zone will have The Shazzbotz, a kids rock band, performing. For a burst of Halloween fun a bounce house will be the perfect place to share in the fun with other costumed mini-masques. Jeni’s Ice Cream will be there for kids to have a treat during the kid fashion show.

The focal point of the event is the Costume Couture Fashion Showdown.  It features 11 professional designers who compete for the title of HighBall Costume of the Year.  “It’s extraordinary to have some returning designers as their third year in a row and add some new faces,” says Diesha Condon, Senior Director Short North Business Association.  “In the costume fitting meetings and hair & make-up consultations the committee is learning how incredibly talented they each are and will bring to the runway unique individuality in their designs.”

“The best part of the Highball Marketing plan is working with our exceptionally dedicated media partners; Columbus Alive, Columbus Parent, The CW, CD 101 and Columbus Underground.  We’ve had a ton of fun with the creative messaging, ads, and commercials”, said Diesha. “The CW did a 30-second commercial and it was invigorating choosing some of the best images and footage.” The commercial will be shown before all the movies at the Arena Grand Movie Theater during the entire month of October. Watch the video now… HighBall Halloween October 30, 2010

Is the SNBA promoting gratuitous sex, homosexuality and obscene language?

For those of you who attended the Short North’s Got Talent show earlier this month, you witnessed the ladies (and James) of the SNBA re-enact a scene from the TV show Glee.

But according to The Parents Television Council, quoted in an article on Christwire.org, Glee is chock full of “gratuitous sex, explicit dialogue and obscene language” as well as “homosexuality,” “steamy shower scenes” and “drug use.” The author goes on to also say “Additionally, the show has far too many musical numbers.”

Anyway, if you stumble upon this site, as I have, you can only gather that by re-creating a scene from Glee, the SNBA promotes those values. So I say “Let’s hear it for the SNBA crew!”

What I find so amazing (and entertaining) is the skewed perspective and paranoia of this group. Another quote from the article says “How many middle-aged men will find themselves in a dead-end Glee-based lifestyle? Will they be ostentatious and sensitive… Crying out to have that giant hole in their souls stuffed with some musky foreign thrill?” By the way, “musky foreign thrill” in the article links you to another article titled “Sodomy Is Never The Answer.” (Musky Foreign Thrill sounds like an opening act for Bare Naked Ladies. - ed.)

I have to say, this author is a never-ending source of entertainment! But paranoia is not new for this author. It would not be fair, or humorous, if I didn’t share one more tidbit from this article… so here goes. The author continues by saying: “Recently, I wrote about studies that revealed the dangerous influence the tv show ‘The Golden Girls’ had on American men now in their 30s, 40s and 50s… and increased risks of homosexual behavior. In a nutshell, the Golden Girls turned a generation away from procreation.”

Damn! I’m just glad no one from this group was at “The Short North’s Got Talent” show! (The Bea Arthur impersonator would have given them the vapors. Just kidding - there was no Bea Arthur impersonator this year. - ed.)

Decide for yourself how sinful song and dance can be.

Check out the youtube videos of Short North’s Got Talent!

This is the first guest commentary here at the Short North Blog.  Maria Galloway, owner of pm gallery and current president of the board of the SNBA is kicking us off!

Spring in the Short North

Prop the door open and catch the breeze, the aromas wafting from the restaurants and the roar of motorcycles.  At the corner of Buttles and North High it seems as though everyone is eating Jeni’s ice cream.  A sure sign of spring is the new seasonal flavors like Meyer Lemon Blueberry and Rhubarb Rose’.

Spring fashions adorn the windows at Rowe (in their new expanded space), Ladybird and a bit farther up the street - Undone, Voodoo Denim and Jinny.  The al fresco dining is in full swing with crowds at Union, Haiku, and La Fogata.

I love walking home in the evening this time of year. The lilacs fill the alley with their heady perfume. The daffodils in the park make me smile. The planter beds on High Street are newly planted with petunias, sweet potato vine and grasses. They have a ways to go to fill in, but I enjoy the formal spacing of the freshly planted. In a couple of months they will be lush and full and wild.

This is the time of year when anticipation of the year’s festivals begins. The June Gallery Hop almost always coincides with the downtown Arts Festival. Then in quick succession we have Comfest, the Gay Pride Parade, the DooDah Parade and the July Gallery Hop! Plus weddings in the park, graduations, and fashion photographers using the neighborhood as a backdrop. After the long winter is it so wonderful to see color and bustling activity return to the street.

This is wedding season at pm gallery. We get the anti-registry people. The people who want to get a memorable gift, not just plate #7 out of a 48 piece set. And it must work, because after 30 wedding seasons, we have only had one return. Funny thing is we have a gift registry, too. It is a What You See Is What You Get registry, since we have so many one of a kind items. I photograph the items and put them on our website. It is great for out-of-towners.

The slide into summer has begun. The air conditioner will be on soon and the noise of the street will be muted as we close the door against the heat. The colors will deepen and the days will lengthen. Buttles Avenue is my sundial.  The sun will be setting at the end of the street and the light and heat will fill the gallery. I am in no hurry for that to happen. Spring here, in the Short North, is full of change, evolution and fun. I am enjoying that.

The biggest sale of the year will be coming to the Short North District this month!  The Short North Winter Sale will be held January 22, 23 and 24.  This three day sale features incredible deals in the district’s favorite shops!  Mark your calender and come see what the Short North Arts District has to offer!  Save up to 80% on apparel, accessories, art, and more!  Core hours for the sale will be 11am to 6pm Friday & Saturday and 12pm to 5pm on Sunday (Some merchants will not be open on Sunday).  Come early for the best selection and enjoy the district!

Sample savings

Alexander’s Jewelers – 30% off all B Tiff Items

Bakery Gingham – 20% off all in-store cupcakes

Big Rock Little Rooster – Vera Wang Trunk Show Jan 21-23 - Sprig 2010 collection.  Brides receive 10% off. Appointments are required - Call 614-754-8116

Collier West – 25-75% off + $25 gift card for all purchases over $150

Emperor’s Newest Clothes – 20% - 50% off fall and winter items

Global Gallery - 20% off Alpaca Winter Wear

Go Figure Consignment – 20%-50% off outerwear & formal attire

GrandView Mercantile – 10 day sale starting Jan 22 offering 15% - 50% off

Ladybird– Fall/Winter holiday fashions 40% - 70% off

Luxe di vie - 80% off

Visit our site to see a full list of our merchants:  http://shortnorth.org/news.asp?n=212

We are on the cover of this week’s newspaper edition of Columbus Alive!!! The article highlights the history of the Short North Arts District as well as the history of Short North’s acclaimed Gallery Hop!

Here is a link to the article. Enjoy!

http://www.columbusalive.com/live/content/features/stories/2009/12/03/ca_u_gallery-hop-history.html?sid=108

Here are some great pictures captured by Rob Manko, taking during the designer couture fashion showdown. Enjoy!!!!!!!!

Above Design by Larissa Boiwka

Above Design by Larissa Boiwka

We hope you had as much fun as we did at HighBall Halloween!! The turn out from the community was amazing, the costumes were dazzling, and YOU made the night so much fun!

The costume contest was also a success! Hundreds of people entered but only few made it past the judges selections, and only ONE was lucky enough to take home the prize as overall best costume.  Sean Sproul, “The Devil,” was the overall costume winner at HighBall. Sproul received gifts from our sponsors but also a $1,000 check from The CW.

We had a couple questions for Sean Sproul about his devil creation and the making of his costume.

1.  What was your inspiration behind the your costume?

This costume actually has a little bit of a history going back to Halloween of 1999.  My partner and I had seen “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and decided to go as satyrs or pans (half goat, half man).  We had purchased some ceramic horns with an elastic band to hold them to your head at the Renaissance Festival earlier that Summer, so those got us started.  We then picked up a Simplicity pattern for a Halloween costume which made the furry goat’s legs, but the feet weren’t quite dramatic enough.  We painted our upper bodies with glitter paint and exaggerated our facial features with makeup.  We entered the Halloween costume contest at the Eagle but left disappointed.  So, the costumes were put into storage, sigh.  Then in 2001 a friend of mine who is a hairdresser decided we should enter as a different team.  We decided to go as dark angel (Satan) and white angel (Michael).  We started with the face of Satan which wasn’t a full mask but exaggerated features made of latex to be adhered to the face with spirit gum.  This included horns, cheeks, nose, ears, and chin.  We were just going to fill in the remaining exposed skin with some sort of face paint.  Then I had my first revelation.  What about using liquid latex to pain over the skin instead?  I didn’t want to shave my head, so we got a skull cap to cover my hair.  I knew I would have to shave any remaining exposed body hair, but that was okay.  We hadn’t considered the lower body yet, and then it came to us.  Why not use the legs we had used two years prior as part of the satyr outfits?  They needed to look more sinister though, so I spray painted them with some black paint, but didn’t expect or want them to be solid black, just charred looking.  So, I shaved my upper body, used spirit gum to adhere the facial features and skull cap, then Glenn started painting away with the red liquid latex.  He put on several layers letting each dry before adding the next.  He used black liquid latex for accents.  Then I just slipped into the legs and put the hooves on when we got to the bar.  I added the chain harness, spiked collar, spiked wrist bands, and bicep bands as finishing touches.  My hands are covered with rubber devil hands and held on by the spiked wrist bands.

2.  How did you come up with the idea?

The evolution of this costume is in answer #1.  Back in 2001 it took second place at the Eagle, and first place at Tradewinds.  It didn’t garner any attention at Union Station, sigh.

3.  What materials did you use to make your pants and shoes?

The pants are made out of faux fur, dark brown for the most part, light brown for the inner portions.  I then painted them with black to give them a burnt, more sinister look.  In my opinion it’s the shoes that really make the costume.  It’s a pair of tennis shoes screwed into a plank of wood about 3 inches in diameter with a notch taken out of the front to make it appear to be a cloven hoof.  The plank is about 6 1/2 inches on the back and 5 1/2″ on the front so the shoe sits on the top at a one inch decline.  The shoes are attached with screws and washers through the balls of the soul.  The result causes you to walk on your tippy toes, sort of a reverse high heel.  It’s as if you’re wearing high heels, but there is not heel support.  The support is under the balls of your feet, so it’s like you’re walking on your tippy toes.  The shoes were then covered in the dark brown fur with velcro strips to hold the fur in place over the top of the shoe as any visual sign of tennis shoes would definitely take away from the visual effect.  I credit my background in roller and ice skating for my balance.  I credit training for and running two marathons per year for my endurance.

4.  Which shops were you able to find your costume accessories?

The liquid latex came from The Garden.  Everything else was either from JoAnn Fabrics or Halloween costume shop close by.  The harness, wrist bands, collar, and bicep bands came from The Garden as well.

5.  Were you surprised you won the entire contest?

Most definitely.  I honestly didn’t even know what the prize was and didn’t expect to win.  I just asked my partner and friend if it was time for the Devil to come out of the closet yet again.  I had unveiled him a few times at private parties, and he always seemed to impress, so I figured why not?  It’ll be fun.  When we got to the Highball Halloween crowd it started to sink in to my partner just how effective the costume was based on how folks were reacting to it.  There literally were some who backed away and were sincerely creeped out by it, and others who seemed impressed and wanted pictures of or with the Devil.  To me that’s the real fun of it since I’m usually a shy and withdrawn person especially in crowds, but a costume allows you to shed that and just enjoy the attention.

6. How did you find out about HighBall Halloween?

My co-worker and friend Lori told me about it.  I’m ashamed to say I didn’t even know it was a scheduled event.

7.  What did you enjoy most about HighBall?

The interactions with the crowd and other contestants.  In my opinion the group I was in, Cirque Fantasy, was the best of all.  There were so many great costumes that I wouldn’t have wanted to be the one choosing.  I tried to interact with other contestants on stage and was cheering on the #18 group of black/white zombies.  I thought they looked great as did many others.

8.  Will you dress up for HighBall again next year?

My partner was initially saying not for a few years, but I think I might be able to convince him to give it another go.  He was so shocked that we won.  It was a great evening for us, one we won’t forget.

9. What costume tips would you recommended to other HighBall attendees?

I think the homemade inventions are the best, so try to be as creative as you can.  Some of the masks were awesome, but it was apparent that they were store bought.  Also, have fun with it, enjoy the moment.  If you’re approaching it as a task/job it will show.  Don’t take yourself so seriously.  As for my costume it was challenging to walk in, but I think that added to the effect.  Perhaps I could come up with an improvement in that regard.

Barb Wallace is one of 17 designers participating in this year’s High Ball Halloween Costume Couture Fashion Showdown.  I spoke with a very enthusiastic Barb Wallace about her many inspirations for this year’s four garments.  The crafty Wallace gathers mainly clothing from thrift stores around Columbus as a base for a garment.

“I have always used this style,” Wallace said.  “I see so much potential in every story!”  Wallace also searches for inspiration in magazines and incorporates them into her one of a kind thrifty design’s.  Wallace’s four pieces are designed around rocker yet feminine look incorporating studs, embellishments, chains, black skinny pants, ruffles, and other unique accessories.
Each designer is also creating a garment for the High Ball Costume Contest, which is open to the public.  Last year thousands of people created one of kind costumes that shocked even the most professional designers.

“It is so fun to see what everyone comes up with!” Wallace added.  “The costume I created for the costume contest is a juxtaposition of an industrial/organic look.  The look is inspired by a rooftop garden, a steel background with flowers cascading down the dress.” Wallace said.
Halloween is that time when you can let it all go! We are excited to see Barb’s designs, as well as the costumes from the rest of the designers.

Grab your kids and their favorite pillow case because HighBall Halloween is just around the corner!

Mini Masqueraders are welcome to trick or treat down High Street as shops will be handing out candy treats throughout the district.  This special trick or treat starts at 1:00pm and lasts until 3:30pm on Saturday the 31st.

The fun follows for the little ones starting at 4:00 p.m. for the “Mini-Masques” Costume Contest.

Costume Registration is 2-3:45 p.m.

But wait, THERE’S MORE…
The Mini-Masques Categories are:

• Best Circus Star
• Best Super Hero
• Best Kids Book Character
• Funniest
• Most Original
• Best of Show!

Each category winner receives a special gift prize!

We hope to see you all there!!! It is going to be a HighBall Halloween to remember.

Rising Star Althea Harper Will Hit the Runway with Original Designs and Help Judge Costume Contest

Dayton-born clothing designer Althea Harper was drawn to fashion at an early age. And on Saturday, October 31, this 24-year-old “Project Runway 6” contestant will be drawn back to Ohio as celebrity judge and featureddesigner for Columbus’ second annual HighBall Halloween.

This fashion-focused extravaganza will feature an 80-foot runway, professional models, live entertainment and a costume competition for fashion designers. Adults, children and pets will also compete for prizes, bragging rights and a moment in the spotlight. The theme for this year’s festival is “Cirque.”

A Young Designer Hits her Stride

Althea Harper is no stranger to visionary fashion design. “As a student, Althea was always thinking way beyond her skill set and pushing herself,” recalls Margie Voelker-Ferrier, professor and coordinator at University ofCincinnati (College of Design Art Architecture and Planning). “I think Althea has a beautiful aesthetic … she always makes women feel beautiful and elegant.”

The Project Runway judges clearly share Voelker-Ferrier’s view. As of this writing, Harper has edged out nineother contestants to reach Round 9 of the show. She’s won one of the weekly challenges, and she’s never been among the bottom three.

High-Powered Judges at HighBall Halloween ‘09

This year, Harper and her former professor will join a roster of industry professionals to help judge yourHalloween costume at the HighBall Halloween Costume Contest.

Do you have what it takes to make the HighBall runway?

Thousands will try. 40 will make it. One will win HighBall Costume of the Year. Come at 9:30 and show

Contest categories are:

• Best Celebrity Lookalike (sponsored by the Arena Grand Movie Theatre)
• Cirque Fantasy
• Best Tag Team (for teams of two or more people)
• Best King and Queen (drag, that is!)
• Simply Fabulous!

For more information about the costume contest, HighBall Halloween, and Althea Harper, visit HighBallHalloween.com.

blog content provided by Christa Sidman

Althea Harper

Althea Harper