News Release
Duct Tape Couture: The Duct Tape Ball Showcases Unique Art, Formal Wear
Anchorage, Alaska – Feb. 1, 2006 – The incredible, vivid creations and sheer volume of art fashioned from ordinary duct tape is nothing short of amazing. That’s exactly what you’ll find at the 7th annual Duct Tape Ball on Friday, Feb. 3, 2006 at the Anchorage Marriott Downtown Hotel. Look for colorful trapeze artists hanging from the ceiling, giant masks and other Cirque-type sculptures designed by national artist Todd Scott. Anchorage artist Cathy Janigo has added her own creative touches by designing vibrant giant circus balls, spinning Cirque boxes and a lion reincarnated from last year’s sphinx.
The event is a spec “tac” ular feast for the senses. Those attending will be wearing black tie gowns and tuxedos designed from -- what else -- duct tape. You’ll see every color and design of duct tape imaginable used to create formal wear, room décor and art.
During the last several years, Janigo and other volunteers have come up with some amazing creations to help decorate the Duct Tape Ball, including 11 huge “underwater” murals, 450 vibrant glowing frogs and 75 palm trees - all made out of duct tape and by hand. Past themes have included Midnight at the Oasis, Under the Sea, Duct Tape Safari and Hollywood Glamour. This year, volunteer artists are “stretching” their imaginations even further in keeping with the Cirque Du So-Duct theme. It’s a painstaking process that has taken two months. Volunteers have produced more than 25 colorful and dramatic mask centerpieces as well as other distinctive sculptures and decorations.
Duck Brand Duct Tape, one of the sponsors, has been the #1 brand of duct tape in America for the past decade. The company has sold more than 787 million linear yards of duct tape. That’s enough to wrap around the earth 50 times or stretch to the moon more than 5 times.
The versatile tape has a long history. It was invented in 1942 to waterproof artillery boxes during World War II. After the war, it was found to have several practical uses, such as patching duct work. Today, the tape is still being used as an all-purpose tool. Alaskans are known for their own creative uses of duct tape, including sealing fish coolers and even insulating their faces against the extreme cold. Duct tape is available in 18 different colors, including four camouflage patterns and four vivid fluorescent hues.
The 7th Annual Duct Tape Ball is a whimsical event that benefits three worthy organizations. Last year, the Duct Tape Ball raised $43,000 for the 2006 National Veterans Wheelchair Games and the Anchorage Police Department Auxiliary Search Team. This year, organizers hope by “sticking together”, they can raise even more money for the 2006 National Veterans Wheelchair Games, the Alaska Multiple Sclerosis Center and Make-A-Wish Foundation.
The cost for guests is $100 per person or $1,000 per table. Cocktails will be served at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m.
The Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau’s mission is to attract and serve visitors to the Municipality of Anchorage. ACVB’s marketing functions are funded by half of the bed tax collected by the lodging association. The other half goes to the Municipality’s general fund. ACVB receives no state or federal funds. For more information, explore www.Anchorage.net.
Media Contacts:
Laura Tanis
Public Relations Manager
Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau
ltanis@anchorage.net
(907) 257-2331 direct
(907) 250-5285 cell
(907) 222-3752 fax
Nance Larsen, APR
Vice President, Communications & Marketing Programs
Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau
nlarsen@anchorage.net
(907) 276-4118 direct
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