Downtown Divas to Present Heart for Art Award to Local Teacher

Concerned that the arts are getting short shrift in local schools, Tribal Sportswear, a national clothing line, is awarding $250 to local teachers who have been instrumental in supporting the arts.

Locally, Tribal Sportswear selected in as a partner in its Heart for Art program. Downtown Divas owner Camille Schwabe chose Progress Village Middle Magnet School of the Arts fashion design teacher Debbie Scourtes as the winner of the Heart for Art Award.

In addition to teaching fashion and costume design at the school, Scourtes designs and sews costumes for the school's theater productions. She recently created more than 200 costumes for the school's recent production of "Annie."

"Her dedication to fashion, design and arts makes her a perfect recipient for this award," said Schwabe.

Scourtes will receive her award at the store at 6128 Winthrop Town Centre Ave., Riverview, June 9 at 2:30 p.m.

In addition, Downtown Divas will host a Tribal Heart for Art Event from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. including refreshments, free signature "Heart for Art" T-shirts with any purchase of Tribal wear and a chance to wine a Tribal outfit.

Tribal launched its Heart for Art program this year to support arts programs in middle schools.

"Tribal is trying to encourage the arts in the schools to enhance children's futures in art-related fields such as fashion design," said Schwabe. "Their concern is shrinking state and local budgets for fine arts programs."

Scourtes plans to spend her $250 on fabric and accessories at JoAnn Fabrics so she can create more costumes.

"Schwabe just began carrying Tribal Sportswear in her store and is already getting rave reviews from customers.

"It's doing really well," she said. "I'm carrying some cute Bermuda shorts, cotton leggings, cotton sweaters and separates you can mix and match. The nice thing about Tribal is it's appropriate for business casual. I have a couple of customers who say they get so many compliments on what they’re wearing."

After taking over the store four years ago, Schwabe has expanded her offering to include more women's fashions.

"We're really excited to bring in some new clothing lines," she said. She now offers Libra Designs, the Silver Jeans denim line and Tru Luxe jeans.

Fashion loves will have a chance to win a $50 gift certificate from Downtown Divas by participating in the third annual summer sweepstakes, which runs for 10 weeks.

A $50 gift certificate will be given away to a lucky shopper each week. To participate, customers must register at Downtown Divas and then sign in weekly at the store or on Downtown Divas' Facebook page. No purchase is necessary.

In addition to being eligible to win a $50 gift certificate, customers are eligible for summer specials each week on purses, hats, scarves and jewelry. For instance, this week registered customers can purchase a woven summer handbag by Jeanne Simmons for $9.99. The regular price is $21.99.

For more information, call 813-315-9887.