Mardi Gras Costume Exhibit
During Winklepicker Festival in Ashfield
Feb. 17-18, 2012

Mardi Gras is incredibly rich in culture, a fact that sets it apart from the majority of other American celebrations; a visit Winklepicker Festival's Mardi Gras Costume Exhibit can supplement studies of American culture, fashion, costume design, sewing, or art. Opening night: Friday, Feb. 16th at 7pm.

In New England, costumes are generally reserved for Halloween (and maybe the occasional themed party).  In New Orleans, however, costumes play an incredibly important role in the celebration of Mardi Gras.  Families can learn about costume culture and creation at the Winklepicker Festival’s costume exhibit coming to Ashfield, MA on February 17th-19th, 2012!

The festival’s theme is Mardi Gras, as both events happen on the same weekend this year, and there will be Mardi Gras-style events taking place all weekend.  Included in the events is the opportunity to visit an exhibit about the serious art of Mardi Gras costuming.  The pieces created and worn vary greatly- as there is never one theme for the festival (outfits can be as outlandish as a wearable clawfoot tub!).  Costumes are worn throughout Mardi Gras for parades and balls (held by groups called krewes).  But it’s not just the wearing of the costume that is significant.  Participants spend all year making their outfits and will pay hundreds of dollars for materials- costumes are incredibly intricate, elaborate, and are seeped creativity.

On display during the costume exhibit will be handmade costumes worn by members of a few different Mardi Gras krewes,  and many handmade masks, as well as photos and videos of costumes and traditional Mardi Gras celebrations.

Opening night is Friday, Feb. 16th where there will be a presentation on costuming with Nancy Werner.  Beginning at 7pm, the opening will include an informal discussion of costuming techniques and costume culture– attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and will learn from firsthand experiences.

Mardi Gras is incredibly rich in culture, a fact that sets it apart from the majority of other American celebrations; a visit to the exhibit can supplement studies of American culture, fashion, costume design, sewing, or art.  In addition to opening night, the gallery will be open on Saturday, Feb 17th from 10am-5pm and Sunday, Feb 18th from 1-5pm. For more information call Nan at 413-628-4003