An exhibit of wearable art entitled Art Couture will be on display at the Sara Smith Self Gallery, 123 Sunset Avenue, Asheboro, Aug. 4-28.

Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5, p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. A reception for the artists will be held Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Each year the Gallery Committee of the Randolph Arts Guild poses a challenge to area artists by naming a theme and setting a show date.

"At that point, control stops," says a spokesman. "Making wearable art seems a civil enough request, but with the free-spirited bunch to whom this challenge was issued, one never knows what might turn up in the gallery. The women seem more serious about their entries; the gentlemen are more inclined to flights of fancy. Indeed, we are never entirely sure what artists will respond."

Invited artists include Scottie Michelle, Joyce Spoon, Frankie Powell, Cori Cagle, Joanne Peterson, Barbara Gilliland, Sue Correll, Vicki Merritt, Jean Vollrath, Linda Murphy, Brenda Jones, Mary Murkin, Brooke Sides, Jennie Lorette Keatts, Barbara Tazewell, Paul Tazewell, Jan Faulkner Wagoner, Jack Gorham, Rich Powell, Mike Durham, Rachelle Peterson, and Margie Stidham.

"Because some invitees have invited others, other artists may be showing their work," says the spokesman.

While it cannot be said what exactly is on display until the show opens, the materials used may indicate the range of possibilities. They include fancy yarns, silk, felt, alpaca wool, leather, metal. Both professional and amateur artists are participating.

For more information or for driving directions, call (336) 629-0399, write arts@asheboro.com or visit www.randolpharts guild.com.