Discover how the Mannequin Project in St. Louis combines art and sustainability to encourage community involvement and highlight local talent in the Delmar Loop.
Image is a courtesy of Linda Pritchard
Contributing: By Darrell Stewart and Linda Pritchard
As part of our “Who Matters” section of the St. Louis Argus, which celebrates individuals and initiatives fostering community engagement and improvement, we are thrilled to share an inspiring story about the Mannequin Project.
This innovative endeavor blends art, sustainability and community collaboration, shining a light on local talent and environmental consciousness. Darrell Stewart sat down with Audrey Jones, a local fashion designer and the creator behind this unique project, in the vibrant Delmar Loop, where the project is based and the yearly competition was wrapping up.
Audrey Jones, a St. Louis fashion designer, found inspiration for the Mannequin Project from her experiences in local fashion shows. Despite participating in several events, she felt her efforts were not yielding tangible benefits for her business. Sharing her frustrations with her biggest supporter, her mother, they brainstormed ways to create a more impactful platform for local artists and designers. This discussion led to the birth of the Mannequin Project, which aims to provide a sustainable platform for showcasing artistic talent while promoting environmental awareness.
“The fashion industry is notorious for its wastefulness,” Jones explains. “From the products we sell to the clothes we throw away, it’s a cycle of consumption and disposal. I wanted to change that narrative by using recycled materials to create art.” The primary goal of the Mannequin Project is to raise awareness about sustainability and recycling, particularly in the fashion industry. The project seeks to educate the community on the importance of reusing materials and making mindful purchasing decisions. “We need to start thinking about how we can reuse the things we have now or consider our purchasing power and how it impacts the environment,” Jones emphasizes.
One of the project’s strengths lies in its community-based approach. Local artists and designers used donated mannequins, which were no longer needed by stores, and adorned them with recycled materials. This collaboration not only highlighted the artists’ creativity but also promoted the businesses involved. “When people see the mannequins, they are intrigued by the unique art and are encouraged to learn more about the artists and the businesses supporting the project,” Jones says.
The project has faced challenges, primarily in educating the public and gaining initial support from artists and merchants. “People were nervous about having the mannequins outside, exposed to the elements,” Jones recalls. “But it was essential to have them outside to engage the community.” Despite these hurdles, the project has grown, expanding beyond the Delmar Loop and involving more artists and businesses each year.
The Mannequin Project’s success is measured through surveys with merchants and artists, social media engagement, and the increasing number of participants. The project has significantly influenced the local art scene and community culture, with residents eagerly anticipating the annual display. “The community looks forward to this project every year. It’s like a bright sunshine that pops up and goes away, leaving a lasting impression,” Jones says.The Mannequin Project’s success is measured through surveys with merchants and artists, social media engagement, and the increasing number of participants. The project has significantly influenced the local art scene and community culture, with residents eagerly anticipating the annual display. “The community looks forward to this project every year. It’s like a bright sunshine that pops up and goes away, leaving a lasting impression,” Jones says.
Beyond the art installations, the project also includes an educational component. Artists and designers participate in informational sessions, and the project offers a scholarship for high school students, encouraging the next generation to engage in sustainable practices and artistic expression.
Since the 2024 exhibition has wrapped and looking ahead, Jones envisions expanding the Mannequin Project to other states and communities with vibrant art scenes. “Places like Beale Street in Memphis or the French Quarter in New Orleans would be perfect for this project,” she says. The ultimate goal is to spread the message of sustainability and community engagement far and wide.
For local businesses like Demadison Fife’s In Da Loop, the project has been a rewarding experience. “The Mannequin Project allows someone to express my vision in a very creative way,” says Fife, the owner. “It creates relationship awareness and brings people to my business.”
The Mannequin Project exemplifies how art, community and sustainability can intersect to create something beautiful and impactful. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of caring for our environment. As Jones reflects, “It’s about dropping that rock into the water and seeing the rippling effect, educating the next generation on how to recycle and reuse.”
For more information on how to get involved with the Mannequin Project, whether as an artist, designer, or sponsor, please contact Audrey Jones and her team at www.mannequinsproject.com/behind-the-mannequins.
Together, we can make a difference, one mannequin at a time.
#MannequinProject #CommunityEngagement #Art #Sustainability #LocalTalent #EnvironmentalConsciousness
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