CreationFest: Heights teacher does it again

Ross Dunn in Legacy

THE weird, wacky and wonderful were on show at the final night of CreationFest, which went out to roaring applause.

Creativity took centre stage on Saturday night, the finale of five shows at the Blue Baths, where entrants in film, wearable art and live performance categories were recognised.

The event featured dancing, singing, short films, magic, comedy and an array of colourful, imaginative outfits made out of anything from sausage casings to measuring tapes.

In its first year, CreationFest built on the previous Wearable Creationz event, with five wearable arts categories.

Category winners won $500 and were eligible for the Supreme Award, which was won by local Ross Dunn for his creation Legacy, a 2.2m silver design complete with moving parts. Mr Dunn won two tickets to New York, including 10 nights' accommodation and $1000 spending money from House of Travel.

He was thrilled to win what was his third Supreme Award in the CreationFest and Wearable Creationz events.

"It was a bit overwhelming to tell you the truth. I was very humbled by it."

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Mr Dunn's garment explored the idea of what would rule the earth if humans no longer existed, and drew inspiration from insects and materials such as plastic, which were believed to remain in the environment for millions of years, he said.

It took him months of late nights in the garage to construct the garment.

He said he was grateful for all the support he received from those around him, including his wife, parents and brother.

The Western Heights High School head of art said he was unlikely to enter next year's event, instead focussing on helping students with their entries.

He said he was proud of one of his students, Katarina Tau-Thompson, who won the Youth Award.

On Saturday it was announced Sir Peter Jackson would be involved in the Short Film section at next year's event.