Couture Stilettos Commemorate American Disabilities Act

"Miss Independence"
Liz Ebanks Copyright 2011
Peep Toe Slingback Kitten Heels
Enamel and Acrylic

Dazzling to Commemorate

Written by:  Liz Ebanks

National Art Teacher Award Recipient

"Your bravery to protect my freedom

resonates in my heart forever.  Thank You."-Liz Ebanks

VSA Ambassador and Founder Jean Kennedy Smith showcased the extraordinarily inspiring talents of guest artists from around the world at the Kennedy Performing Arts Center and throughout the city during the International VSA Festival. Enthusiastic participants explored professional development workshops in all the art genres.  A wealth of insightful publications abounded throughout the VSA International Conference.  The spirit of the celebration was infectious. Florida Teaching Artist Liz Ebanks was speechless to have Ambassador Kennedy Smith personally autograph her hand painted red, white, and blue custom stilettos.  This memorable personal touch was a highlight of the trip. Ebanks' dazzling, star spangled shoes were created to commemorate the journey taken over past 20 years with the American Disabilities Act and
 Our Troops over Seas.

"Dazzling"                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Close Up Details                                                                                                                      
Hand Painted and Photograph                                                                                   
Liz Ebanks Copyright 2011                                                                                                             

The Special Needs students were thrilled to read the heartfelt praise from Jon Gruden, Kathy Castor, and Ron Klein on the presentation sheet showcasing their "Froggy Valentine's." It means so very much to have the support of community leaders. These random acts of kindness celebrated the students' incredible growth through the arts.

Capitol Reflecting Pool

The artist came up with the idea to hand paint the canvas high heels after volunteering as an Independent Teaching Artist to splash shoes with paint to create marbled designs at the Morean Arts Center in St. Petersburg.  Ebanks signature jeweled slingback pumps are laquered in playfulness.  Inlayed with crystals the shimmering shoes celebrate the fusion of fashion and fine art handcrafted in America.   The original stilettos reflect Ebanks' patriotism and pride as a guest at the John F. Kennedy Performing Arts Center.  The star spangled designer stilettos are perfect for the upcoming July 4th celebration.  Ebanks coined the name "Miss Independence" for the designer stiletto collection name as a tribute to all people who have triumphed over disability through the arts.

Participants learned about VSA's Teaching Artist Fellowship to exchange inclusive strategies and resouces during the Educational Conference.  As a Collaborative Educator, Ebanks enjoyed sharing how her illustrations ignite the imaginations of her students to connect with Florida endangered wildlife as role-models. The children discover how they can overcome the title of disability and adapt to share their gifts with the community through merging creative writing, environmental stewardship, and illustration.  It was an immense honor for the Tampa artist tour the U.S. Capitol, Smithsonian, and National Gallery during her visit to Washington. D.C. before returning home.

Ebanks imagination sparked with the hand painted design after receiving an invitation to assist as a Volunteer Teaching Artist at the Morean Arts Center.    The community welcomed renowned International Glass Artist Dale Chihuly to Florida with an out pouring of paint splashed shoes. Children and parents adored their wearable artwork. Chihuly's paint splattered signature shoes quickly became, a trademark of the Collection Openning.  Ebanks was thrilled to see Chihuly's "Red Reeds"at the VSA International Festival in Washington, D.C..

Ebanks detailed the one-of- a- kind patriotic design to compliment the unique bends and folds on each shoe. This led to the jeweled ruby stripes highlighting the open toe slingbacks and rich field of blue on the sides. Ebanks stepped out in Washington, D.C. in these elegant sparkling high heels at the Cannon House Congressional Reception where she was honored as 1 of 5 VSA National Art Teacher Awardees in 2010. The artist also was selected to represent Florida on behalf of VSAFL for her leadership in  Inclusive Techniques,with Special Needs Students. These patriotic peep toe stilettos dazzle with jewels on the soles and silver leaf trim. Look like a million when these stilettos are paired with skinny jeans and femine fitted blazer.  A spark of creativity led the fine artist to transform simple pair of white canvas kitten heels into a new venture in Couture Design.

Click on your guest pass to discover the Adaptive Approach Ebanks' students discovered in her Award Winning Curriculum at this link: 
http://lizebanksartgallery.blogspot.com/2010/10/cut-school-cost-froggy-valentine-lesson.html

If you would like to discover the Morean Arts Center or The Chihuly Collection you might enjoy this link: 
http://www.moreanartscenter.org/content.php?id=15

Whereas, you can explore the John F. Kennedy Performing Arts Center's sensational performances, events, and educational programs at this link:
 http://www.kennedy-center.org/

Liz Ebanks Teaching Artist Volunteer at Chihuly Collection Opening
St. Petersburg, FL

As a National Art Teacher Award Recipient my fun classes are perfect for schools, camps, birthdays, and museums. To inquire about booking Liz Ebanks Children's Art Workshops in Tampa and commissions email a request to: liz@rescueteam.com

I want to thank all of my guests today. 



If you like this post you may also enjoy this link to my
DESIGNER STILETTOS: http://lizebanksartgallery.blogspot.com/2011/10/treasure-hunt-for-shoes-to-hand-paint.html

or this link to CELEBRITY SHOE ARTIST:
http://lizebanksartgallery.blogspot.com/2011/10/secret-to-reinventing-your-shoes-on.html
                                  

Sincerely,

Liz Ebanks

VSA Nat'l Teacher Award Recipient

VSAFL Teaching Artist Representative