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Reno youth center outs on an out-of-this-world fashion show, fundraiser.
Alexis Gray, March, 26, 2007.

The stars were out on Saturday night, delicately placed on black dresses, silver suits, and almost all shapes and sizes of clothing for the Holland Project’s Space for Space cocktail party and fund raiser.

The outer-spaced themed event was held at the Holland venue on Keystone and welcomed Reno locals of all ages for treats, live music performances, art, and even a space fashion show.

Heather Fuss, 25, is one of the key contributors and volunteers to the Reno Holland Project. Fuss was born and raised in Reno but moved to Seattle when she was 17. After graduating from college in San Francisco, she moved back to Reno and became involved in and the idea created by her friend Brittany Curtis. Curtis and Joe Ferguson are the founders of Holland and have molded their idea into what Holland has become today.

“I left Reno at that age because there was nothing for me to do here,” said Fuss. “In so many other cities I saw a vibrant urban youth culture that Reno didn’t have. I decided to stay here and contribute to this amazing project.”

The Holland Project is a nonprofit youth center and all ages venue opening in downtown Reno. It’s created by local artists, musicians and other members of the community as a place for music, art, workshops, events and gatherings for Reno’s young and aspiring minds.

Fuss talked about the growing meth problem in Reno high schools.

“Those kids wouldn’t get into the meth problems if they had something that really motivated them and inspired them.”

Fuss has hopeful outlook for what the Holland Project can do for the city.

“It’s a personal enrichment, to help with growing and learning creative skills. It builds confidence at an age for people really want that looking for direction.”

Many popular Reno faces have helped contribute for the Holland Project.

Sean O’Hair, owner of Record Street Café near the University was one of the first board members and is a huge part of implementing the program.

Musician Jammal Tarkington frequently volunteers and has donated to the project.

“It’s a great thing that’s been needed in Reno for a long, long time.” said Tarkington. “I try to help as much as I can.”

Tarkington has played benefits and fund-raisers with donated sound for the evening’s event.

Mike Livernash, drummer for the local Indie rock band The Touques, volunteers on weekly and was working spotlight for the evening’s event. “I tried to get involved as much as I could,” said Livernash. “I think this is an amazing oppourtunity. I heard you could volunteer so I joined up.”

Singer/ songwriter Grace Hutchison performed a few of her songs from her collection for party guests.

With her charming, retro-feminine chic and classic movie star looks she is very popular in the Reno music scene, but it’s her powerful heart-breaking lyrics and gritty sound that seduces her audience to fall in love. She has a very strong fan base in the Reno night life and it was no doubt that many of them filled the Holland crowd.

“I did anything I could do to be involved,” said Hutchison. “My performance is only the least I could do as apposed to the people who have created and work so hard to make this thing happen. The second I was asked to do it I said, of course!”

The Space Fashion Show was created by local designers and amateurs. The show was the hit of the night with music from local rock band Letters from the Earth.

“It was flawless,” said Fuss. “It completely exceeded any expectations, it brought everyone together.”

According to Fuss, Saturday night’s event raised about 2000 in ticket sales and another 1500 in art action revenue. This did not include ticket sales prior to the event. The exact amount has not been counted estimated yet.

“We made almost 4000 last night which is amazing for a purely volunteered staff,” said Fuss. “The community has been incredibly and supportive, which is both surprisingly and wonderful.”

Holland’s opening day is April 28 for a free event of live music and performances pieces. High students will be performing their first live show on the Holland stage.

Many more events are on the way for Holland including a prom for Rainshadow Community Charter High School in May.

Holland has been organizing fundraisers at local bars Satellite lounge and XOXO since the winter and they finally got their warehouse in February.

“You have to believe in an idea, believe in yourself and believe in other people.” said Fuss about the outcome of Holland. “If you feel something this strongly than it’s something that you should peruse.”

Photos:
Singer/ songwriter Grace Hutchison performed a few of her songs from her collection for party guests at the Space to Space cocktail party and fundraiser for the Holland Project.

Levi Watson stood at the door selling tickets decked out in a golden football helmet for the ultimate in space man attire. His son Jude, 4, matching his dad’s space style, played around the warehouse with a few other children near his age.

Alexis Gray/RGJ