Oooo la la…The Textile and Fashion Arts galleries got a face-lift

The Paul textile and fashion arts galleries opened with a bang in 2006 with a spectacular exhibition, I Do, The Marriage of Fashion and Art curated by Niloo Paydar. (Here’s a little secret: this is one of the first exhibitions I worked on when interning at the IMA in 2003)

Installation view, I Do, The Marriage of Fashion and Art, fashion arts gallery, 2006

Installation view, I Do, The Marriage of Fashion and Art, textile arts gallery, 2006

The exhibition utilized both the Paul textile arts and fashion arts galleries with the door open to adjoin the spaces. The placement of the doorway is specific, acting as a bridge for the two galleries to accommodate larger comprehensive exhibitions, such as the case with, I Do. When the door is closed, however, either the exhibitions are varied or the galleries are dark, allowing the museum to utilize the space as an area for the IMA to prepare for upcoming exhibits.

Installation view, All Dressed Up; Recent Additions, textile arts gallery, 2007

Always keeping our environmental footprint in mind, we reused the risers built specifically for the inaugural exhibition, (I Do) for the next five, yep that’s right, five exhibitions. Over the course of four years, our exhibition designers toyed with the placement of supplemental risers, wall colors and graphics in order to update each space according to the unique exhibitions housed.

In the case of Dior; The King of Couture, the gallery structure remained the same, but the dramatic use of color and wall graphics helped transform the space.

Installation view, Dior; The King of Couture, fashion arts gallery, 2007

In the case of Simply Halston, we created an alternate environment by exhibiting pieces flat on the wall as well as placing close to 30 pieces in the gallery. We lightheartedly refer to this format as the cocktail party scheme vs. the debutante ball, al la Dior.

Installation views, Simply Halston, fashion arts gallery, 2008

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Filed under: Art, Design, Exhibitions

One of the most exciting and rewarding aspects of my job is researching, planning and finally, mounting an exhibition. I liken it to what a performer or musician must feel when they step onto stage after months of practice. One of the nuances of this feeling though, is each exhibition has a personality. Moreover, getting to know that personality is at times a joy, or a challenge, or both. Some exhibitions are straightforward and others will throw you for a loop. Nevertheless, these quirks are what propel an exhibition team forward – together. And… like any great performance or concert, it takes a group of people utilizing their aptitude in a variety of ways. Every exhibition at the IMA is supported by a team, made up of members representing different departments, each responsible for an aspect of its’ planning and execution. The upcoming fashion arts exhibition, Body Unbound, Contemporary Couture from the IMA’s Collection, is no different. Read the rest of this entry »

Filed under: Art, Conservation, Exhibitions

Wow, this blog is practically writing itself. Friday, May 8 is National Public Gardens Day.  Here’s the info we provided the local media. It pretty much covers everything.

National Public Gardens Day at the IMA
Friday, May 8
1–5 p.m.
Throughout the IMA Gardens and Grounds
Free
National Public Gardens Day is a national day of celebration to raise awareness of America’s public gardens and their important role in promoting environmental stewardship and awareness, plant and water conservation, and education in communities nationwide. Visitors may stop by the IMA gardens for a full afternoon of events, including a demonstration on creating high-impact container displays and shopping discounts at the Madeline F. Elder Greenhouse and guided tours of springtime blooms in the IMA gardens. Visitors may stop by the orchard on the grounds of Oldfields, which is currently being renovated to include heirloom fruits and vegetables popular in gardens of the early 20th century. The Museum’s knowledgeable horticulture staff will be available throughout the day to offer gardening tips and answer questions.

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Filed under: Current Events, Horticulture

Fashion in Bloom – Inside and out, the IMA is blooming. Last Friday I checked out “Fashion in Bloom” up on Gallery Level 2 and have had plants and garments on my mind ever since. Sometimes, I like to be contrary, so here are some garments on plants. And just because I think they’re both neat, here is a girl in a zipper dress which reminded me of the oft forgotten fashion item, Units/Multiples.

Innovative Coffee Lid – While I don’t usually drink coffee myself, I do appreciate a clever way to get the cream and sugar back to the office so a buddy can customize their drink to their liking.

Homes of Famous Architects – The IMA recently aquired Miller House and Garden and all the activity surrounding it has created within me an interest for home design. Here’s a connection, turns out the Eames home in Northern California was designed with the help of Miller House designer, Eero Saarinen.

Monday Music – “No One Does it Like You”  by Department of Eagles. I’ve been thinking about getting a fish and supposedly this band has a “Pet Sounds” flavor.

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Filed under: Art, Current Events, Design, Exhibitions, Marketing, New Media

Fashion often finds inspiration in nature as illustrated by these designs created from actual plant material.

image from trendhunter.com

image from trendhunter.com

More often however designers are only inspired by plants when they are creating fabric for their work. That fact is the focus for the exhibition Fashion in Bloom put together by Niloo Imami-Paydar, IMA’s Curator of Textile and Fashion Arts. The exhibition opens Saturday April 4 and runs through January 30, 2010. The items in this exhibition go all the way back to the 1700’s, but the four I’m blogging about are from the late 1950’s to the 70’s. Read the rest of this entry »

Filed under: Horticulture, Local