Interactive Art Workshop with Andy Yoder: Design Your Own Sneaker
Have you ever wanted to design your own custom sneakers? Now is your chance! Join artist Andy Yoder at the Overboard Exhibit, located on the lower level near Barnes & Noble. This workshop will be held on December 30th, from 1 pm to 2 pm.
Andy Yoder is a local artist based in Falls Church, VA. He has gained recognition for his unique sculptures made from reclaimed and recycled materials. His work explores the intersection of art, fashion, and sustainability. And now, he’s bringing his creativity and expertise to this interactive workshop.
During the workshop, Andy Yoder will guide participants through the process of creating their own custom sneakers. Participants will have access to materials like fast food packaging, cereal boxes, luxury shopping bags, posters, and other discarded items to craft unique designs. This activity is perfect for anyone interested in fashion, art, or sustainability.
To participate in the workshop, you should be old enough to handle scissors, box cutters, and hot glue guns. Alternatively, an adult can accompany you to assist with these tools. This ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
The Exhibit
While at the Overboard Exhibit, make sure to check out Andy Yoder’s work on display. This exhibit features over 250 sculptures, all made from reclaimed and recycled materials. It showcases the artist’s message of commemorating the “Great Shoe Spill” while drawing attention to consumer culture’s impact on the environment. The exhibit is free for the public to experience and will be available through mid-January 2024. Don’t miss this opportunity to see Yoder’s unique and thought-provoking artwork.
The Origin
The inspiration for this exhibit comes from the “Great Shoe Spill of 1990.” During a storm, a cargo ship lost nearly 80,000 Nike Air Jordan 5 sneakers into the ocean. This event sparked a maritime study by Dr. Curtis Ebbesmeyer, who used the unique serial numbers on each sneaker to gather data from beachcombers worldwide. Yoder’s use of these iconic and recognizable shoes in his artwork nods to this historical event.
The Artist’s Perspective
Andy Yoder believes in the power of second chances and sees creativity as a tool for individuals to navigate their own path, which is evident in his use of reclaimed materials. Through this workshop, Yoder hopes to inspire others to see the potential in everyday objects and think differently about their impact on the environment.
The exhibit is the latest installation of local artists in Tysons Corner Center, made possible through a partnership with Macerich, the owners and developers of Tysons Corner Center. The goal of the collaboration between Tysons Corner Center and ArtsFairfax is to create unique and interactive art environments, and most importantly, showcase the talents of local artists and arts organizations.
Selected artworks are displayed in the shopping center starting for a minimum of eight weeks to echo Tysons Corner Center as a contemporary and creative destination.
Be a part of this unique experience, not just as a viewer but as an active participant in the art world. Embrace your artistic side and learn from one of the best. And remember, in the words of Andy Yoder, “Making art is a form of alchemy and being creative gives us the power to steer the ship.” So come, join us for this riveting workshop and stand a chance to leave your footprint in the art world quite literally! Visit ArtsFairfax.org/TysonsCorner for more information. We look forward to welcoming you to this incredible learning opportunity.