ART WITH A TWIST: ESTREME 2000 FASHION SHOW ENTERTAINS

Everything from futuristic, towering robot-like figures, to Medussa-haired nymphs, to cheerleaders, to a Resurrection scene were featured at Style Shop Impact's Extreme 2000 fashion show Aug. 11.

The cutting edge fashion show raised funds for the American Diabetes Association, the Jackson R-2 Children's Fund and FISH. The Jackson Knights of Columbus Hall was packed for the show and organizer Alita Phillips was pleased with the turnout.

"I was really pleased," she said. "It was quite an emotional experience for us. It was so nice to see people in the community support us."

Phillips also expressed appreciation for the volunteer models most of them local teenagers.

"It's great experience for the models and gives everyone a chance to experience true art from the cosmetologists. It seems to be fun for the models, participants and audience."

The show included vocal performances by Robyn Hosp, Lacey Hayes, From the Heart, Stroder Country and others, some very creative hair sculpting by Style Shop designers and very elaborate dance numbers. The production included over 100 participants, models and Style Stop designers, as well as assistants and makeup artists.

Cheerleaders Suzie Petzoldt, Ashley Watkins and Emma Halterman led the audience in cheers, with tables competing for prizes.

"Without the community effort Extreme 2000 production would have not succeeded so my thanks to the community is sincere," Phillips said. "Proceeds from the art and entertainment show will be donated to the Jackson R-2 Children's Fund and Diabetes Association. Many sponsors donated gift certificates, clothing, music, equipment, decorations, gifts, and especially valuable, their time."

Numbers included Guitzarzan, The Book, Maria Maria, Phantom of the Opera, Lollipop, Larger than Life, Twilight Zone, Mambo # 5, Release, Do You Love Me?, Electric Avenue, Little Ol' Lady From Pasadena, Jankanoo, Time to Say Good Bye and He's Alive.

"I find it most admirable that the majority of the models were youth from our community, dedicating their time and talents to such a wonderful cause. A special thanks to the mothers who were behind these youths," Phillips said. "All things considered the Extreme 2000 was a huge success in many ways, first the combining of artistic talents musically, theatrically, dance, and gymnastics, second, the community involvement, and third, and most important, the donations given to those in need, or those less fortunate than ourselves.