ArtAid just keeps getting bigger, better

Those people who organize ArtAid each year somehow continue to outdo themselves. ArtAid17, which occurred on Oct. 9, was pretty darned amazing.

I heard words like "astounding" and "indescribable" being used by those who attended, especially first-time visitors.

ArtAid is an event that raises money for Positive Directions, which provides help to people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. It's a showcase for the generosity of this community, the talent of our artists, and the creativity of the people who pull it all together.

The runway and fashion show is the part of ArtAid that continues to impress so many people. There's so much going on, in fact, that it amounts to sensory overload.

Tod Ernst and Graham Ross of Planet Hair put on a show that centered on a circus theme and featured lots of edgy clothes, out-of-this-world hairstyles and wondrous wigs, all sharing the stage with dancers, acrobats, strongmen, tumblers and even a guy with a 14-foot albino Burmese python draped on his shoulders. A live python, folks.

Rachel Smith, a 6-foot-2 model, was among those showing off the clothes during the fashion show and sporting a sky-high wig.

"This gives new meaning to Bumpit," said Smith, referring to the trendy hair pouf some women are wearing.

The circus theme was carried out onstage through a story revolving around a girl who is enticed to join the circus. She was played by Jillian Smalley, a dancer, acrobat and model from Los Angeles. Smalley and choreographer Josh Carlson, also from Los Angeles, donated their time and talents to the show.

"This is the first time we tried to have sort of a plot to the show, but who knows if anyone got it," Graham said. "Oh, well, it was fun."

Anyone who's gone to ArtAid knows that the stage isn't the only place to see offbeat sights. Many of the outfits people in the audience are wearing would fit right in on stage.

I spotted a woman with porcelain skin wearing a jaunty little hat so I grabbed my trusty Canon and asked if I could shoot a photo.

She stood up. And up. And up. Pose. Pouty smile. Click.

As I flipped open my notebook I asked for her name. A deep voice said, "James."

I wanted to shout, "Where did you get such great skin?" Instead I said, "Oh." Regardless, the little hat was darling.

All the hard work and generosity of volunteers and sponsors paid off. ArtAid 2010 raised about $110,000.

If you missed the big show this year, make sure you go next year. Somehow it only gets bigger and better.

This story was originally published October 18, 2010 at 12:00 AM with the headline "ArtAid just keeps getting bigger, better."