Waitaki residents should prepare to be wowed up close, with Tracey Vickers’ World of WearableArt entry now on display at the Ōamaru Opera House. 

The North Otago artist found out in July last year her intricate creation Maiden of the Ferns had been selected as a finalist in the Aotearoa section of the competition, which meant it would feature in the stage show in September and October.

Tracey estimated it took her more than 500 hours to complete her design, which is made of recycled upholstery scraps, plastic packaging, EVA window seals, Worbla and sequins.

The mother of two, who spends most of her time restoring and upholstering furniture, said the creation allowed her the chance to bring all her skills together, challenged her and allowed her to “push her creative boundaries a bit”.

Tracey received her artwork back home mid-January, and said since WOW she had been “blown away” by the amount of local support and interest in her entry.

“I’ve had a lot of requests from the community asking whether they could see it up close one day. 

Tracey Vickers with her World of WearableArt finals entry Maiden of the Ferns, which can be seen in real life at the Ōamaru Opera House. Photo: Supplied

“When you’re in the audience at the show there’s a lot happening or you’re sitting too far away…you almost need binoculars. You don’t get to see or take in all of the details,” she said. 

“After the return of my entry I have spent some time fixing up the wear and tear of 20-odd performances so it is looking near like new again.

“Displaying her at the Oamaru Opera House was a case of all the stars aligning. It just happened and I’m so thankful, because it really is the perfect place to bring a little World of WearableArt to Oamaru.”

The dress and headpiece will be on display in the Opera House foyer for about six weeks, Oamaru Opera House director Frances McElhinney said.

“We are honoured to have the privilege of displaying Maiden of the Ferns so that our community has an opportunity to see this magnificent creation of Tracey’s . . . we are looking forward to welcoming all to view her.”

Maiden of Ferns explores the themes of Aotearoa’s native forest, extinction and conservation, and is a “kaleidoscope of red admiral butterflies”, puriri moths and ferns. An extinct huia adorns the headpiece, “immortalised”.

The full story behind Tracey’s maiden sits alongside her in the Opera House.

Tracey is also half of the talent behind the colourful replacement toilet block at Awamoa Park, working with fellow artist Matthew Wicks on the artwork which adorns the new building.