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What is
HOOPLA Rising?
HOOPLA Rising invites young artists to explore creativity, confidence, and self-expression through the creation of original wearable sculptures.
Participants transform reclaimed materials into wearable works of art while receiving mentorship, technical guidance, and opportunities for public presentation.
HOOPLA Rising is a primarily independent mentorship program.
Participants design and construct their wearable sculptures independantly at home while receiving up to 10 hours of support from HOOPLA Founder Perrin Marie throughout the creative process.
The program culminates in a public runway presentation at the HOOPLA Tea Party, where participants debut their completed wearable sculptures and share their work with the community.
At the heart of the program is one question:
What does taking up space mean to you?
Why HOOPLA Rising?
Young people are often told to wait their turn, lower their voices, or fit into existing expectations.
HOOPLA Rising encourages participants to trust their creativity, value their perspectives, and imagine new possibilities for themselves and their communities.
HOOPLA asks what happens when we stop shrinking ourselves and start taking up space.
HOOPLA Rising asks what happens when we create space for the next generation.
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Steel hoops and access to reclaimed materials
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HOOPLA Hoop Skirt Basic Build Sheet
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HOOPLA Rising Workbook
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Up to 10 hours of scheduled mentorship from Perrin Marie
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Professional photography and videography
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Public runway presentation experience
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A completed portfolio-quality wearable sculpture
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Ownership of their completed artwork
Participants Receive
Who Can Apply?
HOOPLA Rising is open to emerging artists ages 12–18.
There is no single “right” kind of artist for this program.
Whether you have been making art for years or are just beginning your creative journey, you’re encouraged to apply.
Creative work can include art, writing, performance, music, photography, fashion, crafts, community projects, or other creative endeavors.
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Design and create an original wearable sculpture
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Receive personalized artistic mentorship
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Develop an artist statement
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Build confidence presenting their work
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Debut their sculpture in a public runway presentation
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Finish program with a portfolio-quality artwork of their own
Participant Outcomes
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Cost & Accesibility
Thanks to community support, sponsorship, and fundraising efforts, selected participants are invited to participate at no cost.
Families are responsible for transportation to scheduled program activities and events.
Program Timeline
1
Apply
Applications open for artists
ages 12–18.
Up to 12 participants will be selected.
2
Create
Participants learn about HOOPLA, hoop skirt symbolism, creative reuse, and program expectations.
Participants design and build their wearable sculptures independently at home with mentorship and technical support.
3
Present
Artists record interviews, prepare artist statements, and practice presentation skills.
Participants debut their wearable sculptures at the HOOPLA Tea Party.
Mentorship
Artists work independently at home while receiving up to 10 hours of mentorship, technical guidance, and feedback from HOOPLA Founder Perrin Marie.
Mentorship is distributed throughout the program and may take place in person, over Zoom, by phone, or through text-based communication.
Mentorship is designed to support participants throughout the creative process, from initial ideas and design development to construction, presentation preparation, and the final runway experience.
Guardian Information
HOOPLA Rising encourages creative experimentation while prioritizing participant safety, communication, and support.
Parents and guardians will be asked to review program expectations, complete required forms, and support transportation and scheduling as needed.
Participants retain ownership of all artwork created through the program.
Frequently Asked Questions
I Don't Own A Sewing Machine, Can I Still Participate?
Yes!
Participants who do not have access to a sewing machine at home will be able to use sewing equipment and workspace provided through HOOPLA's community partners.
Can Homeschoolers Apply?
Yes.
HOOPLA Rising is open to eligible participants regardless of educational setting, including public school, private school, homeschool, and alternative education programs.
How Much Does It Cost?
Thanks to community support, sponsorship, and fundraising efforts, selected participants are invited to participate at no cost.
Can mentorship time be used for extra help?
Mentorship is available to help participants develop ideas, solve creative challenges, receive technical guidance, and prepare for presentation.
While support and feedback are provided throughout the program, participants are responsible for creating and constructing their own wearable sculptures.
Is This A Weekly Class?
No.
HOOPLA Rising is primarily an independent mentorship program.
Participants work on their wearable sculptures at home and receive mentorship, technical guidance, and feedback throughout the program.
Can Participants Work Together?
Participants are welcome to encourage and support one another; however, each participant is expected to design and create their own original wearable sculpture.
When & Where is the Runway Presentation?
The runway presentation takes place during the HOOPLA Tea Party on October 4th, 2026
at Old Murphey School.
3717 Murphy School Rd, Durham, NC 27705
What if my sculpture isn't finished by the runway?
The goal of HOOPLA Rising is for every participant to complete and present their wearable sculpture.
Participants are encouraged to communicate early if they encounter challenges so mentorship can be used to help keep projects on track.
How Much Time Will This Take?
Participants should expect to spend approximately 8–10 weeks independently developing their wearable sculpture, with mentorship sessions scheduled throughout the program.
Can I Make More Than 1?
Participants are expected to complete one wearable sculpture during the program.
Artists are welcome and encouraged to continue developing additional work independently outside of HOOPLA Rising.
Can I schedule all 10 mentorship hours at once?
No.
Mentorship is designed to support participants throughout the creative process and is distributed across the duration of the program rather than provided as a single extended session.
Funding Partners
Thank you to the individuals, businesses, and organizations whose financial support make
HOOPLA Rising possible.
Take Up Space Sponsor
Karen Kratz
HOOPLA
Ally
Chris Bendoot
Community Partners
HOOPLA is grateful for the organizations, businesses, and community partners who help make this work
possible through collaboration, donated services, venue support, and in-kind contributions.
Shared Visions Foundation
Astral Accesories
Bobbi Joe Wire
William &
Nicole Wilcox
Questions?
Get in touch!
