The City of New Orleans, with its French and Spanish colonial charms and modern American style, is excited to welcome you for the 34th Annual Meeting and Symposium of the Costume Society of America. Much continues to be said about the city and its recovery since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, but you will find that the city is more prepared than ever to welcome you.
Download the brochure to see a detailed listing of these favorite Symposium events: juried research papers and Design Presentations, CSA award-winner presentations, professional development sessions and workshops, the Living History Showcase, the Marketplace, a Silent Auction, research exhibits, Armchair Tours of museum exhibitions and "On the Aisle" theatrical costume designs. Here are some of the special events you will experience in New Orleans:
Opening Reception - Celebrating Mardi Gras history
Wednesday, May 21
Join your colleagues at the Louisiana State Museum's two flagship properties, the Presbytere and the Cabildo, for our festive opening reception celebrating the spirit of Mardi Gras and Louisiana's rich history. The Presbytere houses the museum's permanent Mardi Gras exhibit. Enjoy delicious Louisiana delicacies and cocktails while dancing to the music of a traditional jazz combo. CSA members will be guests of honor during the reception for the opening of the newest exhibit, Continuing the Legacy: Carnival Costume Design 1946-2008.
Mardi Gras World Celebration
Thursday, May 22
Tour the warehouses where many Mardi Gras floats are made and stored, and watch artists create new floats for next year's parade. (Mardi Gras World floats are shown at right.)
Try on lavish costumes, eat traditional New Orleans treats and re-create Mardi Gras with a mini-parade, complete with a live marching band, floats and parade throws. |  |
James Acheson, "The Dilemma of Disguise"
Keynote Address
11:00 a.m., Friday, May 23
In 2004 the Costume Designers Guild presented James Acheson with their Career Achievement Award in recognition for his superior talent and stellar career in the field of costume design for film, television and theatre. His credits include the films Brazil, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, The Man in the Iron Mask, and the hugely successful Spiderman trilogy. Acheson was recognized with Academy Awards for his designs for The Last Emperor (1987) and Dangerous Liaisons (1988), and he garnered a third Oscar for Restoration (1995). He has designed costumes for stage productions in London's West End, on Broadway and for the Metropolitan Opera in New York.
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The host hotel is the Westin New Orleans at Canal Place, high atop an upscale shopping complex, and on the edge of the French Quarter, with its 11th floor lobby and stunning views of the Mississippi River. You must register by Monday, April 28, 2008 to be assured of the group rate: $149/single/double; $174/triple; $199/quad, plus 13% tax and $2 occupancy fee/room/night.
To make a reservation:
The Westin New Orleans Canal Place is completely non-smoking. Arrangements have been made for smokers to stay at a nearby sister hotel to the Westin. Call the CSA national office for reservations: 800-CSA-9447 or 908-359-1471
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Jackson Barracks Military Museum
Tuesday, May 20
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
The 2008 Angels Project will help rescue textiles at Jackson Barracks Military Museum, which was flooded by Hurricane Katrina (pictured below). Uniforms and textiles from the collection will be identified, catalogued, and packed for storage.
The Angels Project roster is full, but organizers Martha Grimm and Margaret Ordoņez have started a waiting list for volunteers of all talents and skill levels. Volunteers will assemble at 8:00 AM at the hotel. Housing at the symposium hotel, transportation, and meals during the Angels Project will be provided. |  |
Contact Martha Grimm to be added to the waiting list:
E-mail mwgrimm@cox.net or (602) 996-1296.
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"Preserving our Costume and Textile Heritage"
Workshop with Colleen Callahan and Newbie Richardson
10:00 a.m. - 4 p.m., $60 for CSA members and non-members
Fee includes lunch, handouts, Your Vintage Keepsake, Preserving Textiles
This day-long workshop will be taught by Colleen Callahan and Newbold (Newbie) Richardson, The Costume & Textile Specialists (www.costumeandtextile.net). Designed for staff at small museums, historic houses, and university collections; and for private collectors, this workshop will provide essential information on ways to organize, stabilize and display your collection.
Walking Tours of the French Quarter
9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., $20 members, $25 non-members
Historic House Tours - 18th and 19th century French Quarter houses
12:45 - 4:15 p.m., $20 members, $25 non-members
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Tour of Plantations on Historic River Road
9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., $99 for CSA members, $110 for non-members. Fee includes transportation, tours and lunch, plus airport drop-off at 5:00 p.m.
Go back in time as this day-long tour travels to three of the historic plantations that exemplify South Louisiana's unique culture, heritage and architecture. This tour is filling up fast - sign up soon if you plan to attend.
National WWII Museum
9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
$20 for CSA members, $25 for non-members, plus $1.25 for the streetcar.
Ride the historic St. Charles Avenue streetcar to the downtown museum district to visit this national treasure, dedicated in 2000 as the National D-Day Museum. The tour includes a behind-the-scenes look at the costume collection.
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Please make your tax deductible donations to CSA by using the form attached below. Donations are tax-deductible and are used to support CSA's programs and activities. Mailed donations must be postmarked by May 6, 2008, and should be sent to Pamela Rabalais, Louisiana State University, School of Human Ecology, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803-4300.
Download the CSA Silent Auction Donation Form
Vendors - our members love to shop. Applications are now being accepted for vendor spaces at the New Orleans CSA Symposium. Space is limited, so reserve your space early by completing the "Vendor Application Form" and the "Vendor Hold Harmless Form." Read the "Invitation Letter" for more information.
Marketplace applications will be reviewed and acceptance decisions made on a continual basis until all spaces are filled. Confirmation and full details will be sent to accepted vendors.
Contact Symposium Co-chairs Wayne Phillips (wphillips@crt.state.la.us) or Jessica Hack (JHack49@aol.com) for more information, or to volunteer to help.
Laura Locoul, namesake of Laura Plantation,
dressed as Mephisto, c. 1890
Photo courtesy of Laura Plantation
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