Memphis College of Art Returns to Collaborate for Exhibit During Run of Musical

Repeating a partnership created last year for the Theatre Memphis production of Into the Woods, students at Memphis College of Art have spent a semester this year researching and creating art that will hang in the main lobby at Theatre Memphis during the run of the musical Side Show, March 10 - April 2, 2017.

Side Show is based on a true story, which is a spectacle in and of itself, focusing on the lives of conjoined twin women, Violet and Daisy Hilton, who became famous stage performers in the 1930's. Conflict eventually separates the two emotionally as one wants a husband and home and the other wants fame and fortune. Only heartbreak brings them back together as they move forward with their careers and lives.

This year Assistant Professors at MCA, Jean Holmgren and Shane McDermott, took the helm to complete this year's exhibit in their Illustration and Type and Concept and Metaphor classes. Fourteen pieces represent the art of 12 students: David Chapura, Lea Edwards, Therrious Davis, Luca Tucker, Lauren Bostick, Kristen Kaluba, Rae Moore, Jillian Duke, Charles Black, Shelby Green and Bethany Harrison. According to Holmgren, the assignment was to, "... engage in a thorough sketching process that lets you refine an image ... striking and representative of the overall spirit and theme of this musical. Explore the full range of symbols, analogies and metaphors...." The final images have been digitally printed and framed and smaller versions are available for purchase on opening night through Memphis College of Art. Some of the artists will be on hand to handle any transactions.

Theatre Memphis Executive Producer Debbie Litch delights in the collaboration of the visual and performing arts in this exhibition. She says, "We are always looking for ways to engage our patrons in the arts, and by sharing our space with these talented students it is a win-win situation."

For more information, visit www.theatrememphis.org.

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