Contemporary American Theater Festival & Washington County Museum Of Fine Arts Collaborate for Summer Exhibition

Costume and fashion exhibitions are experiencing increased popularity in metropolitan cities across the United States and Europe. A collaboration between the Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF) in Shepherdstown, West Virginia and the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Hagerstown, Maryland will bring that same experience to area residents and visitors.

HIGH DRAMA: Costumes from the Contemporary American Theater Festival showcases CATF artists. The exhibition includes renderings, costumes, shoes, fabric swatches, videos, props, and small scale models of scenery from past CATF productions such as Uncanny Valley, H20, and The Wedding Gift. The exhibition will be on view at the MFA June 3 through August 6, 2017 with a reception on June 10 at 6:30pm.

This collaboration is the inspiration of Susan Mills, a CATF Trustee and a member of the Programs and Education Committee at the Museum. Mills saw an opportunity for both organizations to support their missions and one another, while providing an opportunity for visitors to embrace the artistry of theatrical design.

"Having lived in New York City for many years, I was very aware of the growing interest in costume exhibitions at museums. I was very pleased when Rebecca Massie Lane, the MFA's Museum Director and CATF embraced the idea of showcasing CATF costumes and the design process. This is the beginning of what I hope will be many more 'cross-bridge' collaborations," Mills shares.

CATF's Associate Producing Director Peggy McKowen has designed the set and costumes for several CATF productions. Her work has been seen in New York, regional theaters, and internationally, including the first full-length English speaking production of The Tempest performed in Beijing, China. McKowen will host free Gallery Talks on Tuesday July 12 and Tuesday, July 19 at 10am in the Groh Gallery of the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts.

She is passionate about highlighting the design and craftsmanship of CATF artists. "I'm looking forward to offering these guided behind the scenes tours. Participants will have an up-close look at the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into creating contemporary theater."

Rebecca Massie Lane, the Director of the MFA anticipates a strong response. "I especially look forward to seeing how Peggy created entire costumes from recycled materials."

Tickets for the reception on June 10 at 6:30pm are $50 and can be purchased online at wcmfa.org. Gallery Talks are free, but reservations are requested. Please visit CATF online at catf.org/tickets or call 800.999.CATF (2283) to reserve your tickets.

The HIGH DRAMA: Costumes from the Contemporary American Theater Festival exhibition and reception is supported through the generous support of Jim & Mindy Marsden; Lee & Patricia Stine; Mary Helen & Robert Strauch; Susan & David Kemnitzer; Dr. & Mrs. George E. Manger; Paul Kessler & Betsy Nicholas; Tia & Bob McMillan; Susan Mills; Victoria Weagly & Polly Kuhns; Marellen Aherne; Mimi & Mark Dickinson; Nancy Spohrer; Roberta Waltersdorf; PGPresents, LLC; Shaffer Wealth Advisory Group; the Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau; Two Rivers Treads; and Big Cork Vineyards.

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