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Those looking for a positive creative outlet can bring their wild ideas to life for a virtual, Earth-friendly “Trashion Show” while they stay at home during the coronavirus pandemic.

Suffolk Public Library is teaming up with the Pourfavor coffee shop on North Main Street to hold a Virtual Trashion Show on Facebook. This online Trashion Show will be held on April 14, with participants using recyclable materials to make crazy outfits and items in celebration of Earth Day, observed on April 22.

The show was converted from an in-person fashion show to an online event due to the pandemic, according Jillian Zeller, adult program services coordinator for Suffolk Public Library.

“Due to the current situation, we couldn’t do an in-person Trashion Show, but we still wanted a way for the community to connect and engage,” Zeller said. “This provides an opportunity for (a) creative outlet, and for people to connect with each other.”

Any outfits or items are welcome at this virtual show, as long as they’re made with recyclable materials. Zeller said that there’s one young girl participating who likes to use recyclable materials to make accessories for her stuffed animals. Another participant is really into fashion design, and might make a whole ensemble.

“I really want people to let their creativity take charge in what they are creating,” Zeller said. “We’re pretty slim on the rules and guidelines. The emphasis is just on recyclable materials to make some kind of fashion (items), and how they interpret that is up to them. Part of the excitement is waiting for people to interpret that and to see what they’re going to come up with.”

This event is open to all ages, and can be done either as individuals or as teams. Participants must submit a picture of their creations by 11:59 p.m. Sunday. Submissions may be made to Jillian Zeller at the email jzeller@suffolkva.us, or on the Google Form link on the “Virtual Trashion Show” Facebook page.

Submissions must include the participant’s name(s), age(s), materials used, and any inspirations for their creations.

The Suffolk Public Library will then present a compilation video of all of the submissions on the main “Suffolk Public Library” Facebook page on April 14 at 7 p.m. Voting will start when the video is posted, through a Survey Monkey link on the Facebook page, and remain open until 11:59 p.m. on April 15, the following day. The voting link will be posted at the same time as the video, and the compilation video will also remain available for later viewing.

A video message from Pourfavor coffee shop announcing the winner will be shared on the main Suffolk Public Library Facebook page on April 17, and the winner will receive a $20 voucher to the coffee shop.

“I believe that creativity at this time is important for mental health,” said Jeremy Lamm, general manager at the Pourfavor coffee shop on North Main Street. “We want to show our support to the community by providing something fun for people of all ages to do, while staying at home.”

Submitted photos may be used by the Suffolk Public Library in promotional materials, and that names and ages of participants may be included in the compilation video. However, Suffolk Public Library staff are also able to make accommodations upon request, in order to respect participants’ privacy wishes, Zeller said.

Visit the Suffolk Public Library “Virtual Trashion Show” Facebook page for more information.