Two of the dresses Spencer Versteeg designed, now on display at the Owatonna Arts Center.
HIS PASSION FOR FASHION is evident. It shows in his work, in his enthusiasm, in his energetic vibe.
Spencer answers questions about his fashions during his OAC gallery reception.
I observed all of that Sunday afternoon at an Owatonna Arts Center reception honoring Spencer Versteeg who returned to his hometown for his first ever gallery showing. He’s an apparel design student heading into his senior year at the University of Minnesota.
The exhibit features notebooks and pages of Spencer’s design sketches.
Spencer has known since age seven that he wanted to design clothing. He pursued that interest early on via local theatre and a high school internship at Kristi’s Clothing Boutique.
Already Spencer is making an imprint on the fashion scene. Last fall his work was showcased in the noted Envision Fashion Show at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis. And this summer he’s interning at Target, working on a floor set that should land his women’s clothing designs in Target stores.
Front dress details drape.
Spencer’s clothing designs hang high on a gallery space wall.
Asked to describe his design style, Spencer paused, then responded with a single word: vibrant. That seems accurate when I consider his fashion designs beyond hue and pattern. His clothing possesses a vibrancy in a sense of motion, in the flow of fabric, in the impression it exudes.
Spencer talks with a gallery guest about his fashion designs. He invited visitors to page through his sketchbooks.
And then there’s Spencer himself, engaging family and friends with a notable appreciation for their support and with a deep love for the creative process of fashion design.
Rows of sketches by Spencer are taped to a gallery wall.
When I inquired about his future, he provided an honest answer. “That’s a good question,” Spencer said, offering no hint at the direction his life may take after graduation from the U of M.
The bodice of a particularly creative dress shown at the Envision Fashion Show.
“New York?” I asked.
He’s been to New York, Spencer said, enough to understand he needs space, open physical space. But I expect if opportunities present themselves in the New York fashion scene, this Owatonna native will embrace them.
Clothing patterns are tapped to gallery windows.
I know next to nothing about fashion, although I sewed my own clothing (from purchased patterns) while in high school. But I understand the need, the desire, the passion to create. Just like Spencer.
© Copyright 2017 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
What a fun exhibit! Love how patrons were allowed to look through his sketch books and see the progression of his designs over the years. Good luck to Spencer in the future—I am sure he has a bright future!
It’s not often we see fashion exhibits here in Greater Minnesota, so this show was a treat and a fun experience.
I agree with you that Spencer has a bright future.
Love his style and color choices – edgy but classic and love pops of color 🙂 Thanks for sharing. Happy Day – Enjoy!
“Edgy but classic…” I like your description of Spencer’s style.
Seems like this creative and vibrant young man “has it”. I enjoyed all the photos. Interested to see where he heads next!
I expect we’ll hear more of Spencer as he makes his mark in the world of fashion.
Is this your first fashion exhibit ,as far as this venue of “Art” is concerned? I found your post interesting and especially like the wrap dress in the first photo. (Now if I only had the body to wear it) I hope Spencer goes far, his creations are beautiful!
This is the second fashion exhibit I’ve viewed. In 2010, I viewed an exhibit of fashions by Max Lohrbach in, of all places, the Mantorville Arts Guild. he is from Mantorville.
Here’s a link to that blog post: https://mnprairieroots.com/2010/09/02/designer-max-lohrbach-makes-a-fashion-statement-in-mantorville/
I like the wrap dresses, too, and the second dress from the left (black/yellow/brown with ruffles) hanging on the wall.
I love this fashion exhibit! You photographed it well!
Thank you. It was fun to photograph and then to play around with the photos afterwards in editing them.
Loved seeing what a young man from Owatonna is creating. I’ll have to tell my family there about the exhibit.
In addition to this exhibit, the 65th annual Steele County Art Exhibition is showing in the main gallery. I’ll post about that soon.
Are you familiar with Adam Young, a young musician from Owatonna who goes under the name of Owl City? He’s made a name for himself in the music industry.
No, I’m not familiar with Owl City. I will look him up online. Thanks.
Had I not read articles in area newspapers, I wouldn’t be familiar with Owl City either.
Your photos capture the vibrancy of his creative designs. The fashion world is so competitive we wish him well in his endeavors. My favorite..the wrap dress
I can only imagine the level of competitiveness. But Spencer seems to be off to a great start.
Wow! Some haute couture that looks really wearable.
Agreed. Thanks for adding your fashion comment to the mix, Marilyn.
Interesting pieces! I like the blue dress with tree branches. It’s the perfect dress to wear on a date with an outdoorsman!!!
I like that fabric design also and the dress style.
Thank you for such amazing coverage and photos! Your words are kind and thoughtful!
You are welcome, Spencer. Your talents will take you far in the fashion world.
wow this is great! keep it up!
In love with this post 💗
Btw I posted a summer outfit on my blog – https://sunainadasblog.wordpress.com/2017/07/28/casual-chic-summer-outfit-2017/
Hope you will like it xoxo 💕
Also check my Instagram for more pics 🙌🏻
So glad you appreciate Spencer’s work. He’s one talented designer.
You’re welcome and I loved it 💕