New Book Display: Costume As a Study and Art

While a costume expresses the personality of a character on stage or in film, it also plays a critical role in shaping our understanding of performance. Color, texture, shape, and style may indicate setting, time period, and the relationship of the character to other characters, as well as to the audience. Costume can generate first impressions and also tell its own story through visual cues. 

What surfaces through costume design is often a reflection of philosophies and practices in education. Teachers College is no stranger to this curriculum, particularly with courses dating back to the early to mid twentieth century in the Department of Fine and Industrial Arts. Offering examples of the work of Teachers College faculty, Belle Northrup and Jane Fales, as well as current educational scholars and practitioners, we hope you are inspired to learn more  and (re)imagine distinctive dress.

Costume As a Study and Art builds upon the art exhibit, The Costume Drawings of Elizabeth Mary McNeeley, currently featured on the First Floor of the Gottesman Libraries. This book display explores historical aspects of costume design; the relationship of costume to fashion; its relevance to character and identity; and special place in art education, past and present. It examines costume in teaching and learning, and offers tools or contemporary how to's in costume design. 

 

Where: Everett Cafe

At Everett Cafe, you'll find a new book collection every few weeks that relates to current events, education, or learning environments.

 

 

Poster Image:  Design For Sea King: Detail Of GL00-BB04-FF04-DR05-0022, n.d. From The Students of Arthur Wesley Dow Collection, Courtesy of Teachers College, Columbia University.