Lethbridge Travelling Dress Project

The Lethbridge Travelling Dress Project was started to highlight the artistry, care, and craftsmanship that photographers pour into their work. It serves as a reminder of the skill and dedication required to create meaningful and impactful visual narratives. 

This local Lethbridge project was started in 2018 by Lorelei Hoffarth (Lorelei Hoffarth Photography) along with a committee made up of three other local photographers, Shannon Bos-Chapman & Bos Photography, Jackie Standing-StandOut Photography Studio, and Kimberly McQuaid- Kimberly A. Photography The vision for the project was to provide an opportunity to showcase the artistic side of photography and the outstanding and diverse talent of local photographers in the Lethbridge area.

The project was picked back up again last year (following a break during the pandemic restrictions) and organized by Craig Sallenbach- Fused Elements Photography, Jackie Standing- StandOut Photography Studio, and Stacey Ainscough with Stacey Rae Images. This is the third year the project has been running and is expected to run again for the 2024-2025 year.

Each artist has the creative freedom to showcase their unique vision while incorporating a single dress as the unifying element in their compositions. The project has continued to grow in interest and excitement seems to also be building in the community.

This dress used this past year was a navy blue velvet dress designed by Chelsey Smith – Sewing and Ceramics. There were 13 photographers in the Lethbridge area who were involved in the project, which started in April of 2023. Each participant had the dress for two weeks and were FINALLY able to showcase the results at the Opening Exhibition on February 12, 2024. (As artists, let me tell you, this is not easy as most photographers can’t wait to share results from a session, especially one where they have full creative freedom).

This year’s highly anticipated exhibition evening was a success with over 100 attendees going through to view the pieces, which showed off an array of captivating print media. The evening brought together both photographers and members of the community, while also providing the space and opportunity for fostering connections and inspiring others to appreciate the diverse and artistic side of photography.

It’s a testament to the rich creative community in Lethbridge and the profound beauty that can be captured through the lens of a camera. 

My piece this year is titled “I Cannot Stay” and incorporates a Mother Nature feel to it, where the past is on one side and the future is on the other side. In my narrative, she is struggling of letting go of a difficult past and lives there longer than she should because she feels safe and comfortable. She is not able to grow any further as is not willing to take risks with a future that is unknown. She one day looks up and sees light and color, and decides to leave her past behind and cross to an unknown that is scary and doesn’t feel safe. Light and growth though, only come from opening yourself up to opportunities, the unknown and learning something from every experience no matter the outcome.

I Cannot Stay
We had a good thing going, Past and I. 
It was good, in fact it was great, until it wasn’t. 
Past tried to help by reminding me of all things that we have gone through.
Reminded me of safety.

But the more I stood there with him, the more I realized I couldn’t move.
Not forward or backward, just still. 
Restrained.

Why do I suddenly feel so stuck?

When I look up, there is color and growth. How did I not see it before? 
There is so much light and the blooming of so many beautiful things.

Past, how I am grateful. Grateful for who I am because of you. 
But we are no longer aligned. 
I cannot stay.

I silently turn away and raise my head. 
So many paths. So much opportunity.
I hesitantly embrace what Future has in store. 

I feel brighter.

Past, please know I will visit you now and then. 
But it will now be brief.
Staying any longer, I will lose my color, my spark, my spirit.  

I leave you behind, not in hate or regret, but in love and appreciation.  
Thank you Past for the gift of the person I am today.
I am stronger because of you.

~Jackie Standing

The print media chosen was on fine art canvas. Once printed, I added coloured leaf foil to create a dimensional feel. The final print is on display at Streatside Eatery until March 12th.