Regional art and retail collaborate to raise funds through fashion

The sustainable and ethical retail store has partnered with the artists to create two custom t-shirts designed to raise awareness, empower and raise much needed funds for some vital Australian charities.

Ms Matthews, a Ballarat based artist who grew up in Daylesford, designed the 'Hear Her Roar' t-shirt surrounded by the Australian bush.

After discovering her love of oil painting at a young age, she has been captivated by exploring shape, colour, texture, light and space through painting.

The shirt raises funds for WRISC, who exist to change the lives of women and children affected by family violence.

WRISC believe everyone has the right to be safe, to be treated equally and to have access to the same opportunities as everyone else.

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"WRISC supports women to become empowered - to take back control of their own lives so that they can move on to an independent life free from violence and abuse," WRISC communications officer Alison Crofts said.

"We work with women to find their own strengths and set their own goals for this journey.

"WRISC is honoured to be the beneficiary of the collaboration between Dot and Frankie and artist Abbie Matthews. Hear Her Roar perfectly captures the positive changes our clients are making."

Ms Matthews said with this in mind, a shirt was created that focused on the strength, uniqueness and courage of women with the tagline Hear Her Roar.

Ms Matthews then used this as her inspiration for the shirt's warrior woman image.

"I really loved forming the ideas around Hear Her Roar, and knowing that my creativity, along with Carly's ideas and hard work are helping families in need," she said.

"The whole process has been extremely rewarding."

Sara Bowers designed the 'The All Of Us' shirt.

Ms Bowers is a contemporary artist making her home in the Grampians National Park in Australia.

Her current work is a response to the intricacies and uniqueness of the local landscape in the in the form of encaustic, illuminated sculptures and lighting design, works on paper, paintings, and carved sculptures in indigenous stone and wood.

Ms Bowers works professionally as a Graphic Designer and Artist and is owner of Studio 8 - Graphic Design and Art Studio.

This t-shirt raises funds for Minus18 who are champions LGBTQIA+ youth in Australia.

They are leading change, building social inclusion, and advocating for an Australia where all young people are safe, empowered, and surrounded by people that support them.

"Support from local businesses and creatives not only support our LGBTQIA+ youth programs, but help Minus18 to connect to families, parents, allies and networks, ensuring every young person knows they can reach out to Minus18 for connection within the community," Minus18 partnerships coordinator Adrian Murdoch said.

"Thank you to all the artists who helped to create this design!"

The collaboration between Sara and Dot and Frankie saw the creation of the slogan All of Us which they felt encapsulated the diversity, complexity and togetherness of our global community.

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Ms Bowers then used her design skills to use colour and texture to further enhance the phrase on the front of the t-shirt.

Ms Bowers said she was honoured to be a part of the Dot and Frankie's charity t-shirts range.

"Minus 18 is a fabulous charity doing life-changing work to support LGBTQIA+ youth to feel empowered, supported and safe," she said.

"I wanted the 'All of Us' artwork to be bold, fun and energetic, using the colours of the rainbow flag.

"It is designed for all of us to show support, inclusiveness and individuality."

Dot and Frankie owner Carly Flecknoe said she always visioned Dot and Frankie to not only be good for the planet, but to actually do good as well.

"It feels incredible to not only work with incredible artists to create these unique t-shirts but to also raise money for some very worthy charities," she said.

"And with two more t-shirt designs to come over the next six months, this little store will continue to aim for big things."

Visit www.dotandfrankie.com.au for more details.

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