Curator Resource and Visual/Material Culture Blogs

By Heather Vaughan, December 31st, 2008 at 5:00 am (Uncategorized)

These resources offer some behind the scenes usefulness for those working in the museum field (or for those who hope to). Some though, are institutions that have begun to create their own blogs (related to fashion history and costume studies).

Material World: “Material World is an interactive, online hub for contemporary debates, discussion, thinking and research centered on material and visual culture. It is the brainchild of scholars working in the anthropology departments of University College London and New York University, but aims to create a new international community of academics, students, curators, artists and anyone else with particular interests in material and visual culture.”

Visual Culture: has a specific section that covers visual culture as it relates to fashion, but also includes exhibition reviews and discusses other aspects of design.

Medieval Material Culture Blog: “This blog reports on news relating to medieval material culture — especially archaeological finds and museum exhibits — and announces new material culture indices posted on larsdatter.com.

The Attic: “The virtual home of the Department of Museum Studies’ research students, University of Leicester, UK“

Public Curating: Methods, Theories, Resources: “PUBLICCURATING was a research-project run from November 2006 to November 2008 by the Vienna-based platform CONT3XT.NET. A collection of methods, resources, and theories concerning the curation of (New) Media, Internet-based, and Video Art.”

Museum 2.0: “Museum 2.0 explores ways that web 2.0 philosophies can be applied in museum design.”

LeisureArts: “LeisureArts is an infra-institutional practice engaged with various forms of ephemeral, convivial, and quotidian cultural production.

Palestine Costume Archive: “The Palestine Costume Archive was established in the early 1980s to provide a secure environment for the acquisition and research of Palestinian cultural heritage. The Archive also acquires historical and contemporary costume from the Arab and Islamic world.” [Editors note: This blog has not posted since August 2008].

This Blog Sits at the Intersection of Anthropology and Economics: (No official description of the blog, but the author regularly includes his resources at the end of each article). Noably, he recently posted on how Mo Rocca is the new Andy Rooney.

Valerie Steele Fashion: If you’re interested in keeping tabs on Valerie Steele’s activities, check this out.

I am currently in New York, gathering all kinds of wonderful information on the exhibitions that are going (I’ll be bringing back some photos, I’m sure). I’ll see you all next year!

Until Next Time,

Heather

www.fashionhistorian.net

Heather is a contributor to the newly released Greenwood Encyclopedia Clothing through American History, 1900 to the Present.

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Fiber Prof Job!

By Monica Sklar, December 30th, 2008 at 5:00 am (Jobs, Uncategorized)

 

SCHOOL OF THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO
DEPARTMENT OF FIBER AND MATERIAL STUDIES

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s Department of Fiber and Material Studies seeks applicants for a full-time, tenured or tenure track-position, beginning Fall 2009. Rank and salary are commensurate with experience, teaching, and current professional status.

The department seeks candidates with an accomplished studio practice or who are engaged in theoretical/scholarly production within the field. The Department of Fiber and Material Studies is uniquely positioned to investigate the relationships among concept, materiality, and process in contemporary art while acknowledging historical traditions. Students use a broad range of media and methods with emphasis on the integration of the textile traditions including sculptural practices, loom-woven structures, and screenprinted fabrics within a broad contemporary art and cultural dialogue.

Responsibilities
Teach undergraduates and graduate students in a transdisciplinary art school, advise graduate students in a tutorial environment, maintain an active professional practice. Express a willingness to perform the administrative duties and provide vision and direction as the departmental chair on a rotating basis.

Qualifications
The ideal candidate has a nationally/internationally recognized practice, a strong exhibition record or is accomplished within his/her field of cultural production, and a minimum of three years experience teaching at the college level.

Application
By January 5, 2009, please send cover letter, curriculum vitae, artist statement, a statement of teaching philosophy, support materials (description list and visual documentation of work, slides, CDs, DVDs or other materials appropriate to the representation of the work), contact information for three professional references; and sample syllabi for a graduate or undergraduate studio and/or topical seminar, and a self-addressed, stamped postcard to confirm receipt of materials to:

Fiber and Material Studies Search
SAIC, Deans Office
37 South Wabash Avenue
Chicago, IL 60603

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Subculture conference-Anyone going?

By Monica Sklar, December 29th, 2008 at 5:00 am (Conferences and Calls for Papers, Uncategorized)

I’ve just decided to head to NYC in Feb and attend the symposium connected to FIT’s Gothic exhibit. The symposium is entitled Subculture and Style and is free to students and only $100 for everyone else. The dates are Feb 13 & 14. I was curious if any of WT’s readers are going? Since I decided just now to attend, I’ll only be there for the conference and very little other time, but I made the call that I just couldn’t miss talks by such a high caliber of subculture and dress researcher’s, particularily those from the UK who I rarely am able to talk to otherwise. I’m probably going to the UK in May, and so additionally it’s a great chance to meet some of them and perhaps set up meetings for when I’m across the pond. 

Let me know if you’ll be there!

-Monica

The shirt if Gaultier and is in the exhibit.

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Exhibits!

By Monica Sklar, December 25th, 2008 at 5:00 am (Exhibitions, Uncategorized)

“MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA THE EXHIBITION”
Through February 8 at the Mode Museum [Antwerp, Belgium], this exhibit celebrates the twentieth anniversary of Maison Martin Margiela, delving into the different themes and concepts that Maison Martin Margiela has explored during its various collections, fashion shows, presentations and events worldwide, design of its shops and offices, exceptional house style and communications policy. Exclusively for this exhibition, Maison Martin Margiela will propose limited-edition items that will be on sale during the
exhibition. Click here for details
(I chose this photo as I couldn’t locate a good one on their site-MS)

“GOTHIC: DARK GLAMOUR”
Through February 21 at the Fashion Institute of Technology [New York City], this exhibit will explore the negative connotations that have made the gothic an ideal symbol of rebellion for a wide range of cultural outsiders. From its origins in 18th century gothic literature of terror to its contemporary manifestations in vampire literature and cinema, the gothic has embraced the powers of horror and the erotic macabre. Fashion has been central to our vision of the gothic, and 75 plus ensembles will be on display. Click here for details

This info was gathered via the Costume Society of America’s newsletter.

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American Historical Association Annual Meeting

By Heather Vaughan, December 24th, 2008 at 5:00 am (Conferences and Calls for Papers, Uncategorized)

I will be attending the American Historical Association’s Annual meeting in New York City, which starts (officially) on January 2 and runs through January 5. If you are attending, feel free to stop by the UC Press booth in the exhibition hall to say hi. Though I’ll not really be able to attend any of the sessions, I thought I would highlight some of the talks being given that relate to costume and fashion history.

Feel free to let us know if you’re presenting a paper that fits into this category through the comments section.

Until Next Time,

Heather

www.fashionhistorian.net

Heather is a contributor to the newly released Greenwood Encyclopedia Clothing through American History, 1900 to the Present.

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Jobs!

By Monica Sklar, December 23rd, 2008 at 5:00 am (Jobs, Uncategorized)

1.
Curator of Contemporary Craft and Sculpture-Arkansas Arts Center

A specialist in academic disciplines related to contemporary craft and sculpture collections, the chief responsibility of the curator of contemporary craft and sculpture is for the care and scholarly interpretation of all objects in these collections or loans to the Arts Center, whether related to loans or study. The curator also organizes, in collaboration with the deputy director of programming, the contemporary craft exhibition program.

Duties: Manage contemporary craft, sculpture, and decorative arts collections including, but not limited to, attention to proper storage and conservation needs. Plan, design and execute the contemporary craft exhibition program in collaboration with the curator of drawings and deputy director of programming. Plan contemporary craft exhibition installation design and assist with the actual installation as necessary. Supervise curatorial assistant and coordinate collection and exhibition duties and responsibilities of the registrar, assistant registrar and preparator as they pertain to the contemporary craft and sculpture collections and exhibitions. Also, the curator will work in coordination with the facilities manager, departmental managers, and education personnel.
In support of the development department, write and prepare grant applications. Provide support for appropriate public inquiries as it relates to the contemporary craft and sculpture collections and exhibitions. Participate in the production of exhibition and collection related programs; provide support for other Arts Center support organizations including but not limited to the Friends of Contemporary Craft and Traveling Seminars. Assist the curator of education with docent training as it pertains to contemporary craft and sculpture exhibitions and collections interpretation. Research for the Arts Center generated catalogues, brochures, interpretive labels and any materials related to contemporary craft and sculpture exhibitions and collections. Edit Arts Center publications related to contemporary craft and sculpture collections, exhibitions and programs. Recommend book and periodical acquisitions for the Arts Center’s library; Recommend the purchase of slides, videos, and films for the audio-visual library. Serve as spokesperson for the Arts Center, its collection and exhibitions, to the public and in public forums. Assist deputy director of marketing, deputy director of development and other staff as needed. Perform other duties assigned by the deputy director of programming and other administrative heads.

Required qualifications: Master’s degree (M. A.) or equivalent; and at least five years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Click here for more details.

2.
Assistant Professor in Consumer Affairs
Design, Merchandising, & Consumer Sciences
South Dakota State University

The Department of Design, Merchandising, & Consumer Sciences is looking to fill a nine-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor in Consumer Affairs. This position has an effective start date of August 22, 2009.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Fulfill responsibilities as a faculty member of the department in the areas of teaching, research/scholarship, and service in the Consumer Affairs program in the following ways:
- Teach undergraduate and graduate courses.
- Build a strong track record of research and scholarly activities including grant. submissions; 20% AES appointment is connected to this position.
- Contribute to the Consumer Affairs program by networking with industry for internships, employment, and professional development opportunities for students.
- Provide service to the profession, university, college, department, and community.

QUALIFICATIONS:
REQUIRED
- Earned PhD (or ABD near completion) in Family Economics, Family Resource Management, Consumer Sciences, Family Financial Planning, or closely related disciplines in Human Sciences, Marketing, Business, or Public Relations.
- Effective interpersonal/written communication skills.
- Potential for effective teaching, successful research publications, and grant writing.

PREFERRED
- College level teaching experience in consumer sciences or above stated fields
- Expertise in marketing, public relations, and/or event coordination
- Experience with cross-disciplinary collaboration
- Publications in peer-reviewed journals

APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Review of applications will begin on January 12, 2009 and continue until a suitable candidate is appointed

APPLICATION PROCESS:
SDSU accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit: https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu, search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on “apply for this posting.” The system will guide you through the electronic application form. The employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, resume, and reference page. Please contact SDSU Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.

For questions Email

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Exhibits!

By Monica Sklar, December 18th, 2008 at 5:00 am (Uncategorized)

“EXTRAORDINARY COSTUMES FROM FILM AND TELEVISION”
Through January 11 at the Henry Ford Museum [Dearborn, MI], this exhibit explores how costume design incorporates color, style, scale, materials, historical traditions and cultural cues help performers and audiences engage personally with the characters being portrayed. See costumes from “Star Wars,” “Batman,” “The Terminator,” “Indiana Jones,” “Star Trek,” “Battlestar Galactica”
and more of the most popular films and television shows of all time. Click here for details
(I chose this photo as there wasn’t a good one on their site-MS)

“WARHOL PRESENTS”
Through January 11 at The Everson Museum of Art [Syracuse, NY], this exhibit highlights the early commercial career of Andy Warhol, whose whimsical drawings from the 1950s created fantasies that marketed fashion and glamour through evocation. Warhol’s penchant for combining art and advertisement quickly made him one of the most well known illustrators of women’s fashion in New York. The exhibition presents 18 of Warhol’s rarely seen shoe
illustrations and drawings of women’s accessories and fashion figures. Click here for details

This info was gathered via the Costume Society of America’s newsletter.

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News: Brooklyn Museum Costumes go to Met, Costume Inst.

By Heather Vaughan, December 17th, 2008 at 5:00 am (Exhibitions, History of Dress, Jobs, Uncategorized)

23,500 costume objects will move from the Brooklyn Museum to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Costume Institute. It will be known as the Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What’s the most exciting for the public is “that under the deal the Brooklyn Museum would be able to include the collection in shows, and that both museums planned to present exhibitions in 2010 focusing on different portions of the combined collections.”

The possibility of additional jobs opening up at the MET, CI to handle this transfer, which is to take effect in January, is not lost on me – but any hiring may have already been done.

Full Article Here:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/16/arts/design/16muse.html

Until Next Time,

Heather

www.fashionhistorian.net

Heather is a contributor to the newly released Greenwood Encyclopedia Clothing through American History, 1900 to the Present.

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Jobs!

By Monica Sklar, December 16th, 2008 at 5:00 am (Jobs, Uncategorized)

1.
The Design/Technology program in the Conservatory of Theatre Arts & Film at Purchase College SUNY is seeking an Assistant Professor of Costume Design.

Responsibilities include teaching and academic advising of students within the program, teaching of at least one course per year to non-specialists outside the program, and college-wide committee work. Specific courses taught will be based on individual applicants qualifications, but will include at least one conservatory level costume design course and supervision/guidance of costume design process being executed by students working on theatrical productions. Candidates will be expected to contribute courses to students from across the campus, either within their field of expertise or within the college’s general education program.

Qualifications: Candidates must have a minimum of five years professional costume design experience with work in at least three of the following areas: Film, Television, Commercial Theater, LORT, Opera, Dance, Industrials (Corporate Theater), International Touring. BFA in costume design expected but preference will be given to candidates with MFA and/or equivalent professional experience and membership in USA 829 as a Costume Designer. Continued professional activity is not only expected, but encouraged.

Start Date: September 1, 2009

To apply, please send curriculum vitae, a letter of interest, a one-page statement of educational philosophy, and the names and e-mail addresses of five references with contact information and Job Code TDT112508 to:

Aaron B. Sanders
Affirmative Action Officer
Purchase College SUNY
735 Anderson Hill Road
Purchase, NY 10577

Click here for more details.

2.
Oklahoma State University is seeking applicants for a renewable term, non-tenure track Clinical Instructor.

This position will teach the basic Costume Technology class each semester, serve as Lab Instruction Supervisor for classes in costume technology, and oversee the construction of costumes for the department’s production programs including training and supervising student production crews, and serve as Lab Coordinator for all other classes using the costume areas. Experience in the supervision of student crews is required. Strong costume construction, cutting, and draping skills a must. Evidence of skills in millinery, wig styling, and other craft areas preferred. MFA in costume technology and/or design required. This is a 9-month obligation with the possibility of design assignment making it a 10-month position. Position carries year-round benefits; salary commensurate with experience.

For full consideration, applications must be received by December 31, 2008, but applications will be considered until position is filled.

Interested candidates should submit letter of application, vitae, three letters of recommendation, and sample of production work to:
Costume Shop Search Committee, Department of Theatre, 121 Seretean Center, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078-4076.
Email

3.
Costume Shop Supervisor (Lecturer) – Theater
Hunter College of CUNY

Full-time, renewable position with the possibility of permanent appointment, in an active liberal arts theatre department that produces two shows per semester and student projects. Duties: teach courses in areas of expertise such as costume history, costume design, costume construction, and make-up; oversee costume shop and production of costumes for department productions, manage and maintain costume stock, oversee wardrobe and wardrobe crew for department productions, advise and assist on student projects. Opportunity to design departmental shows.

Requirements:
Master’s of Fine Art or equivalent professional experience, minimum two years’ teaching experience.

Please send detailed resume including at least three references, cover letter describing your career goals and teaching philosophy to:

Costume Shop Supervisor/Teacher Search 
Dept. of Theatre
Hunter College of CUNY
695 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10021

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Bettie Page Iconic Pinup Died

By Monica Sklar, December 12th, 2008 at 9:39 am (Uncategorized)

Yesterday Bettie Page, the pinup whose legacy is beyond all others, passed away in LA from heart problems. Here is her NY Times obit.

There are so many fabulous books, movies,and websites you can check out to learn more about her, or to celebrate her history.

A few to check out are:

The Notorious Bettie Page, a movie by Mary Heron staring Gretchen Mol.

Any of Bunny Yeager‘s pin up photo collections (see Amamzon). There’s something special and different about a woman photographing a woman and embracing sexuality. The photos are truly different than other pin up material.

Here’s a You Tube tribute where you can see a ton of picture set to great ball of Fire. There are also tons of interviews and old films on You Tube of her.

Like many girls in the alt scene, into vintage, and fashion, and with a figure that isn’t made for these times, I spent ten years (1995-2005) trying my hardest to master Bettie’s look. She was an inspiration and a breath of fresh air in the world of the Friend‘s cast and later Paris Hilton. One time at a meet and greet John Waters even went up to me and said “Wow, you look like Bettie Page” which made me just about faint. Having recently dyed my hair back to blue-black, which it hadn’t been in a few years, I realized I just couldn’t stay away too long from the iconic look she created that I want just a little part of for myself. She will be missed.

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