HAYLEY FELLOWS

Artist Statement

REdesign Charity Shop Challenge
By Hayley Fellows, Creative Arts Practitioner



My textile-based practice is rooted in sustainability, nature, and community. By reusing and repurposing materials, I engage in gentle activism, challenging perceptions of waste and promoting environmental awareness. Collaboration is at the heart of my work: through workshops and community projects, I create inclusive spaces where creativity fosters connection, self-expression, and well-being.

For this year’s Art Trail, I developed the REdesign Charity Shop Challenge, a project that protests against fast fashion’s environmental impact while celebrating the charity shops that sustain our high streets. I aim to highlight charity shops vital role in building community and supporting the people who rely on them.

I invited the public to redesign donated items into unique, catwalk-worthy creations. In workshops held mainly at Farplace charity shop, staff, volunteers, and customers collaborated by redesigning, cutting, reshaping, accessorising, decorating, and sewing unsaleable 'rag' items into functional fashion. Accessible and expressive, the process allowed people of all skill levels to contribute, building skills, confidence, and connection. These creations will be sold to raise funds for Farplace and showcased daily in fashion parades during the Art Trail at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

This project champions charity shops as creative community hubs and promotes mindful reuse, challenging the waste and overproduction of the fashion industry. By stitching together stories, materials, and people, I hope to inspire a deeper sense of connection, creativity, and care for the world around us.

Fashion Parade - 11am and 2pm

Every day of the Art Trail

Taking place by the water fountain on Taff Street, Pontypridd.

Suitable for all ages. Benches are available around the square to sit and watch.