Pumphouse celebrates 25 years

Cutline: Over-sized glasses and furs, with Iris Apfel as the backdrop, made for fun professional photographs by Megan Muir (left) for Laura Jeffry, Terry Mactaggart and Chris Phibbs. Bethany Loewan (second from left) was helping out.

The Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre celebrated its 25th anniversary Sunday with a fashion show designed to recognize women of “ageless beauty,” inspired by Iris Apfel, a fearless and eclectic fashion icon.

In 2013, at age 92, Apfel was listed as one of 50 “best dressed over 50.”

The Pumphouse show, held at the Hilton Garden Inn, featured fashion artisans, some of them modelling their work.

Four founding members of the pumphouse, Diane Debonham, Barbara Alhuwalia, Tina Stewart and Peggy Walker, joined by Nancy Butler, representing her late husband Ian Butler, also one of the founders, took to the runway in celebration of timeless beauty and their role of the establishment of the pumphouse, a not-for-profit community organization supporting visual arts through its school and galleries.

“It’s so much fun to be here with the founding members,” said Stewart.

“We get together once in a while for lunch, but we don’t see each other often. It’s nice to get caught up.”

Rima Boles, director of the art centre, said there was a great turnout, with more than 100 guests attending the luncheon. The money raised from the event supports year-round exhibitions, programs and events at the pumphouse.

“This event would not have been possible without the amazing contributions of our team of volunteers,” said Boles.