A Canton high school graduate who grew up in Wanakena is a contestant in the 12th season of the Lifetime Network’s show “Project Runway.”

Timothy Westbrook, who refers to himself as a fiber artist, is one of several young fashion designers competing with each other when the new season premiers Thursday, July 18.

Westbrook, who moved to Milwaukee last year, grew up in Wanakena with his parents and sister before graduating from Canton’s Williams High School in 2007. He then went to Syracuse University and graduated with a degree in fine arts.

He was offered and accepted a position as the 2012 Artist in Residence at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he began producing unique and intricate garments made out of repurposed materials such as umbrellas, cassette tapes, plastic bags, and beer cans. His work has been on display at several gallery nights throughout Milwaukee.

On his Project Runway page, Westbrook talks about growing up in Wanakena.

"My father just retired after 18 years of serving as the Director of the College of Environmental Science and Forestry Ranger School. The annual summertime alumni reunions have been a major part of my life. The Ranger School family is built into my support system of love and guidance. The town I am from is also very tight-knit. In a town of 60 year 'round, you get very close."

His Project Runway page is at http://www.mylifetime.com/shows/project-runway/season-12/designers/Timothy-Westbrook.

Westbrook will be presenting a fall fashion show, Paleontology of a Woman, at the Milwaukee Public Museum on Sept. 21.