Actual shoes worn by the Sacramento Ballet dancers were donated to the project and used as “canvases” for the artists’ original and imaginative creations.

Each artist was assigned a dancer and given a pair of their ballet shoes.  Then, they interviewed them one-on-one to get ideas and inspiration for their shoe designs. The shoes were shaped and prepared, painted and sculpted into artistic masterpieces, customized with each dancer in mind, as interpreted by the artist.  The designs were based on the dancers’ culture, personality, background, interests and ballet history.

The shoes were unveiled at the Sacramento Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker on Dec.11 and displayed in the Community Center Theater for literally thousands of dance lovers during the holiday season.

The shoes were be displayed once again at the company’s annual Beer & Ballet performances May 20 to 29, at which time several pairs were auctioned as a fundraising benefit for the dance company. 

The Kennedy Gallery will host an exhibit of The Artful Shoe Project during this month’s Second Saturday Artwalk, where patrons can purchase these beautiful works of art. The unique use of ballet shoes as a medium for expressing artistic vision and creativity will complement the wide range of art displayed always display.  The gallery, under the direction of Michael Misha Kennedy, is located at 1114 20th Street, near the corner of 20th and K Street in Sacramento.  Admission is free.

A special thank you to Kimberlee Wilson for the countless hours she’s dedicated to this project.
Photos courtesy of Adevia Mackes