RON SWARNER: TACOMA ART PLACE BENEFIT WAS INSPIRING >>>

The red carpet was rolled out for the "Inspired Elegance" Fashion Show Saturday night at the Hotel Murano in downtown Tacoma.

The event â€" produced by Linda Danforth, Desiree Flerchinger and Angela Jossy â€" was a fundraiser for Tacoma Art Place, the non-profit Hilltop community-based art center that offers workspace, classes and low-cost equipment to artists and the general public.

After a stroll through the silent auction and dessert table, patrons watched aspiring fashion designers from Goodwill's Work-force model their own creations â€" with the help from professional designers â€" made from fabric and recycled items from Goodwill. The kicker? The designs were created in a 24-hour period. The models/designers â€" Blanca Lopez, Jeanne Courtney, Patricia Driscoll, Carnella Rashiyd, Chris Genereux and Denise Armstrong â€" also received a style makeover from Embellish Multi-space Salon.

A video captured the pride, and nervousness, of each designer before they walked the runway. All six stories were inspiring.

Artist Robbi Firestone kept the crowd lively as emcee.

Tacoma Art Place's mission is to provide access to equipment and training that will allow more people to affordably explore their creativity and artistic ability. To contribute to its mission, visit its Web site.

TAP is open 1-8 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday at 1116 S. 11th St., in the Hilltop Tacoma neighborhood.

Special thanks to Steve Naccarato of Steve Naccarato Photography for snapping shots of the event, including the shots on this post.

Another special thanks must be extended to one of the professional designers' table of friends for the added entertainment. Your attitude, fashion, dark shades and turban (head injury?) were a hoot.