BRIDGEPORT — Part red-carpet spectacle and fashion show, part farmers market and modeling industry confab, the 'Non-GMO Gala' aims to raise awareness about the perceived dangers of genetically modified foods.
"This is about people in the arts coming together to spread the word about GMOs," said organizer and artist Diana Leviton Gondek. "This isn't just the pretty people speaking out. It's people in the fine arts, too."
The all-day event, officially titled "Bon Voyage to the Bloat," takes place Aug. 16 at the Bridgeport Art Center, 1200 W. 35th St.
At issue for the artists and models is the use of genetically modified ingredients in food production.
According to the National Institute of Health, genetically modified ingredients can stave off disease in plants and animals and help preserve the shelf life of foods, but they also carry certain risks, including "unexpected and harmful" genetic outcomes.
A growing public backlash against genetically modified ingredients has led to some action by high profile companies — notably, food giant General Mills vowing to end their use in the creation of its popular Cheerios brand cereal.
The art and fashion event kicks off at 7 a.m. with the weekly Bridgeport Farmers Market, held each Saturday in the art center's outdoor sculpture garden. That's open to everyone.
But VIP ticketholders for the red-carpet event will step into a special market section to have their photos snapped by professional photographers as they shop. A designated personal shopper will help "collect and manage the produce purchase," organizers said.
Formal attire is requested of ticketholders for the shopping experience, but not required.
After the market wraps up, guests will be taken inside the art center for a series of events, beginning with an optional "gala prep" that includes hair, makeup and spa services in advance of the evening.
Throughout the afternoon, fashion models serving as living art — designed to be "Non-GMO statement pieces" — will be placed throughout select floors of the massive Bridgeport building.
Also throughout the day, guests will be served appetizers prepared with ingredients from the farmers market vendors and restaurants that use organic produce.
A series of food-inspired artwork will be created live at the event, too, most of which can be bought through a silent auction held throughout the afternoon.
"They're going to be inspired by watching the movie 'Genetic Roulette' and after all the artists watch the movie, they're supposed to create an art piece," said Iwona Duniec, an artist who's helping organize the event.
The event culminates with a summit featuring speakers discussing the issues "that the modeling and fashion industry have been facing due to the increased bloating, rapid aging and stomach problems among the model work force," organizers said.
In an email, fashion designer Cal Garcia said the conference will "address how models, agencies, designers, industry professionals and the general public can address these symptoms."
Tickets for the event range from $25 for models and students up to a $125 ticket that includes the personal shopper, photographer and VIP access. More information on tickets, and a schedule of events, is available here.
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