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CSA E-News
Volume 2 No. 12
September 15, 2003 Edition
Costume Society of America
http://www.costumesocietyamerica.com


CONTENTS:

1.  Houston Calling!
2.  News From Members
3.  Serving On The National Board
4.  Gone With The Girdle
5.  CSA Website Updates
6.  Keys To History
7.  Clothing For A New Era
8.  When In Downtown Chicago Next
9.  American Beauties
10. CSA Bookstore
11. More New Exhibits
12. Wearing CSA
13. National Costumers Association
14. Calendar Reminder
15. More From Houston!


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HOUSTON CALLING!

A. JURORS NEEDED FOR 2004 ABSTRACTS: According to Mark
Hutter, 2004 Abstracts Administrator, jury duty has never
been so much fun. He is placing a "call for jurors" to help
select papers, panels and posters for the 2004 National
Symposium in Houston. All CSA members are welcome to
volunteer. Those wishing to serve as jurors should submit a
letter of intent explaining costume interests and previous
experience as an author or lecturer. Deadline is October 1,
2003. To submit your letter or for more information, contact
Mark at mailto:mhutter@cwf.org.

B. OCTOBER 1ST IS DEADLINE FOR CALL FOR PAPERS: In order for
the jurors to have great abstracts to read, they have to
receive them! October 1, 2003 is the Call for Papers
deadline for "Hot, Haute Houston Presents 20th Century
Design: Fashion, Interiors, Architecture and the Performing
Arts" -- the theme for the 2004 National Symposium in
Houston, TX on May 26-29, 2004. See the website for more details:
http://www.costumesocietyamerica.com/natsym.html.


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2. NEWS FROM MEMBERS

A. KAY KING IS HONORED AT LT. GOVERNOR'S RANCH: On July 17,
Kay King, Fashion and Interior Design Department Chair at
Houston Community College, presented a fashion show of her
students' award winning wool and mohair garments to the
Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers' Association and Texas Lt.
Governor David Dewhurst at his ranch in Kerrville, Texas.
The association presented Kay its Special Achievement Award
for her contributions to the wool and mohair industry.

B. MELLON CURATORIAL FELLOW: Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell
recently received her doctorate from the University of
Aberdeen, Scotland, and will begin a three-year
post-doctoral fellowship as Mellon Curatorial Fellow in 18th
Century French Art at The Huntington Library in San Marino,
CA in September.

C. TEACHING EXCELLENCE: CSA members Jane Farrell-Beck and
Jean Parsons, along with Mary Lynn Damhorst, received a
grant from the Iowa State University Center for Teaching
Excellence to have replicas made of 18th century stays,
mid-19th and 20th century corsets, two styles of bustle and
a hoop skirt. These were completed by Doris Nash, ISU
Theater Specialist this May. They will be used for try-ons
in classes in History of (Western) Costume and Appearance in
Society this academic year. These replicas will also help
students in design classes who wish to use corset- or
bustle-like styling in their creative designs.

D. WE HAVE HANDS: Penny Clifton of Dorfman Museum Figures,
Inc. reports that they now have ETHAFOAM hands for those who
prefer them with their Conservation Forms. The hands give a
finished look to the full Form, especially when using the
optional head and feet. You can retrofit hands onto your
existing Form by a simple modification. For more
information, call 800-634-4873 or
http://www.museumfigures.com.


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3. SERVING ON THE NATIONAL BOARD

This from David Newell and Claudia P. Iannuccilli, co-chairs
of the CSA Nominating Committee: The Nominating Committee is
in the process of forming a slate of board nominees for the
Class of 2007. The deadline for nominations is November 1,
2003. The National Board has started the process of reducing
the overall size of the board and exploring means to make
board service more affordable. This upcoming class will be
the first phase of meeting that goal. This is a chance for
you, or someone you know and respect, to become part of this
dynamic organization at the national level. Board members
serve three-year terms and must be committed to attending
seasonal meetings at locations around the country.

Please be in touch with David or Claudia for nomination
forms, questions: 
David at mailto:david.newell@chs.state.co.us or
Claudia at mailto:CPIan@mfa.org.


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4. GONE WITH THE GIRDLE

"Gone With The Girdle - Freedom, Restraint and Power in
Women's Dress" expands on the idea that fashion both
reflects and defines the moment in which it was created. The
Atlanta History Center has produced a new exhibition
depicting the lifestyle and costume changes of Atlanta
women. Beginning November 1, 2003 until April 18, 2004, the
Center will open the 3,300 square-foot exhibition that
examines the silhouettes and experiences of Atlanta women
from the city's early days to the present. While the setting
may be Atlanta, the clothing follows the timeline of any
city's women -- reflecting their dreams, challenges and
successes -- from the confining corsets of the 19th century
to today's urban chic. CSA member and exhibition curator
Susan Neill is the curator of textiles and social history at
the AHC. See http://www.AtlantaHistoryCenter.com for
information.


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5. CSA WEBSITE UPDATES

A. REGIONAL UPDATES: The regional website section of the CSA
Website is being "remodeled." Vice President of Technology,
Kathi Martin reports that Maryann Sadagopan of Region I has
taken on the new position on the national website team of
Regional Websites Manager. Mary Ann will be coordinating
with a "liaison" from each region who will gather the
information for Maryann to post the updates to the regional
sites in a unified format, keeping the pages current. And
progress has been made, see:
http://www.costumesocietyamerica.com/regsym.htm.

The regional liaisons are: Region I, Maryann Sadagopan;
Region II, Kristina Haugland; Region III, TBA; Region V,
Nancy Bryan; Region VI, Joyce Donley; Region VII, TBA.
Thanks to all for your assistance! Anyone out there
interested in becoming the liaison for Region III or Region
VII? A great way to connect with fellow members! If so,
please email Maryann at mailto:msadagopan@mfa.org.

B. JOINING THE TEAM: The newest member of the CSA Website
Team is Jodie Gustafson of the University of Minnesota.
Although not a member of CSA, Jodie was interested in honing
her web skills by volunteering with Kathi Martin's team.
Jodie will be Symposium Page Manager for our website, as
well as one of the assistants to the webmaster. Thanks,
Jodie, and welcome!

C. ARE YOU INTERESTED?: Let the VP for Technology, Kathi
Martin, know if you are interested in assisting on the CSA
Website Team. Volunteers with various skills are needed in
support of maintaining a current website! Contact Kathi at
mailto:martink@drexel.edu.


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6. KEYS TO HISTORY

The McCord Museum in Montreal launches "Keys to History," a
dynamic Web resource designed for the Canadian history buff,
bringing Canadian history to your fingertips. Drawing upon
images and information from leading Canadian historical
institutions, "Keys to History" offers thematic virtual
tours that highlight intriguing aspects of Canada's past and
enable visitors to see Canadian history in a whole new
light. Hosted on the McCord Museum's Web site,
http://www.mccord-museum.qc.ca/keys, "Keys to History"
encompasses a database of over 60,000 digital images from
the collections of the McCord Museum and its partners, the
New Brunswick Museum and the Musee Acadien of the Universit
de Moncton.


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7. CLOTHING FOR A NEW ERA

Graphics/Fine Arts Press is happy to announce the
publication in October of "Clothing for a New Era, a Basic
Guide to Women's Federal/Regency/Empire Dress, 1785-1820" by
CSA member Cathy (Kate) Johnson. The book is an overview of
common clothing and trends for the era known in this country
as Federal, and is in partial response to the burgeoning
interest due to the upcoming Bicentennials of the Lewis and
Clark Expedition of Discovery and the War of 1812, in
addition to the continuing popularity of the works of Jane
Austen, in books and film. Watch for it in the CSA
Amazon.com Bookstore at
http://www.costumesocietyamerica.com/Bookstore/index.html.


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8. WHEN IN DOWNTOWN CHICAGO NEXT

Consider making an appointment for yourself or with students
in a group of no more than twelve at the Fashion Resource
Center of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. A
"Tailor-Made" tour for special projects can be arranged by
contacting Director Gillion Carrara at 312-899-1215 or
mailto:gcarrara@artic.edu. See the animated website for
additional information at http://www.artic.edu/saic/frc. The
Center houses a late 20th and 21st century hands-on study
collection of extreme innovation, designer garments and
accessories.


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9. AMERICAN BEAUTIES

Opening at the Phoenix Museum of Art on November 15, 2003,
"American Beauty and Style in Nineteenth Century Fashion" is
an exhibit by Curator Dennita Sewell drawn from the Museum's
comprehensive permanent collection. The exhibition shows
exquisite examples of 19th century dress and accessories
that demonstrate the interplay of fashion and identity that
created the image of the 19th century person. Social and
artistic trends will place these objects in the context of
the people who wore them, and why, where and how they were
made. Treasures from the collection include printed cotton
calico dresses worn by pioneer Americans and elegant silk
gowns created by dressmakers in major cities to echo French
fashions. The exhibition shows through April 11, 2004. See
http://www.phxart.org/Exhibitions/index.html for more
information.


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10. CSA BOOKSTORE

A.  CONTEST: Are you saving your receipts?  Don't forget the CSA
Bookstore's contest for members to win a free membership by buying
books & things through the CSA Website Amazon.com Bookstore.  For
details, see:
http://costumesocietyamerica.com/Bookstore/bookstorepages/contest.htm.

B. NEW LISTINGS: A regular click to the CSA Bookstore often
will be rewarding! You will find new listings, the TOP TEN
BEST SELLERS, and the review of the BOOK OF THE MONTH! See
http://www.costumesocietyamerica.com/Bookstore/index.html.
Send in your recommendations for listings to Bookstore
Manager Sally Queen, mailto:SAQUEEN@aol.com and/or offer to
review a costume book for Amazon.com by visiting the website.


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11. MORE NEW EXHIBITS

A. PATHS ACROSS THE PLAINS: Opening at the Bata Shoe Museum
in Toronto on October 21, 2003, "Paths Across the Plains"
shows the artistry of the beaded footwear produced by Plains
women, which has long been admired for its intricate beauty.
From the age old traditions of porcupine quillwork to the
late 19th century development of elaborately beaded
prairie-style, the story of how Plains peoples embraced new
ideas and struggled to ensure that traditional values
endured continues to be told through their footwear. The
exhibit runs until the fall of 2004. For more info, see the
museum's website at http://www.batashoemuseum.ca.

B. JOHN BARTLETT: A multi-media installation at the
Cincinnati Art Museum showing ten years of men's and women's
wear designs by acclaimed contemporary fashion designer and
Ohio native, John Bartlett. The exhibit opens November 15,
2003 and runs through February 1, 2004. See
http://cincinnatiartmuseum.org.


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12. WEARING CSA

Those members attending the National Symposium in Charleston
got to be part of a "premiere." The CSA "logo pin" was first
sold there and now is easily available for all the
membership! The small script "CSA" lapel pin in metal colors
of gold or silver is now available for sale through the
National Office; see details and photo on the website at
http://www.costumesocietyamerica.tierranet.com/csaorg.html.


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13. NATIONAL COSTUMERS ASSOCIATION

Elections were held by the National Costumers Association at
their National Convention in July in Charlotte, NC. Harold
Maxwell of Annie's Costumes and Magic was re-elected 1st
Vice-President and Rachel Godollei Johnson was re-elected to
the Board of Directors. Other results of the election:
President, Gary Broadrick of Performance Studios in
Nashville, TN; Second Vice-President, Nancy Cox of Acme
Costumes in Garden City, GA; Immediate Past President (and
CSA member), Kim Brown of Spotlight Costumes in Pittsburgh,
PA. Elected to the Board of Directors: Adrienne Anderson of
Freckles Theatrical Supplies in Jacksonville, FL; Judi Cain
of Center Stage Costumes & Magic in Gainesville, FL; Debbie
Lyn Owens of Debbie Lyn's Costumes in Sunnyvale, CA;
Marianne Prinkey of Starstyled Dancing in Tampa, FL.

For more information, you can reach Dyan Higgins,
Publications Director of NCA, at
mailto:editor@costumers.org.


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14. CALENDAR REMINDER

The beautiful 2004 Historic Fashions Calendar, "The Wedding
Dress," which continues the "book on the wall" series, is
available at a discount to CSA members from the national
office. Twelve great North American collections featured one
per month with 50 plus images of wedding dresses and
information, the calendar retails for $14.95, but can be
purchased for $11.25 by CSA members by calling the national
office at 1-800-CSA-9447. Ordering information also
available in the Summer edition of CSA NEWS.


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15. MORE FROM HOUSTON!

A. FEEDBACK REQUESTED: Houston Symposium Coordinators Kay
King and Claremarie Verheyen welcome your input for the 2004
National CSA Symposium. Here are some of their plans for
exciting optional activities during the Symposium and Pre-
and Post-Symposium workshops and study tours on May 26, 30 & 31:

a.) Optional evening during the Symposium: tickets to the
Tony Award winning "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the
Forum" at the Alley Theatre.

b.) A special study tour to view a Charles James Collection.

c.) An "out of this world" study tour to NASA Space Center
Houston where Space Suit Engineer Amy Ross will "show and tell."

d.) Given that our conference hotel is in the middle of the
museum district, planning time for us to visit the museums
on the day and evening they are open admission free.

e.) Since the symposium is hosted by the Museum of Fine
Arts/Houston, the University of Houston, and Houston
Community College, we have plans to visit each of these
institutions.

Kay and Clairemarie would like to hear from you about other
ideas, your interest in one or all of the above, or other
comments that can assist them in putting together a
stimulating Pre- and Post-Symposium package, as well as
other optional activities during the 2004 Symposium! Contact
them at mailto:kay.king@hccs.edu and
mailto:cverheyen@uh.edu, respectively.

B. 18TH CENTURY GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN: The CSA 2003 Millia
Davenport Publication Award winner Linda Baumgarten, Curator
of Textiles & Costumes at the Colonial Williamburg
Foundation will present "From Rags to Riches: Collecting
Antique Costumes" on Saturday, May 29 during the Houston
Symposium. Because most of the collecting activities occured
in the 20th century, Linda's lecture will be about how the
20th century looked back on the 18th century through what
they collected.

[Editor's Note: It all sounds great. Thanks to Kay and
Clairemarie for organizing so many wonderful and varied
activities! -CP]