We are open!
We will be following CDC protocols and state health orders. For the safety of all our visitors and volunteers, face masks are encouraged during your visit to the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio. Social distance will be maintained and visitor numbers monitored. Thank you for helping protect our visitors, volunteers, and staff!
We look forward to seeing you!
We will be following CDC protocols and state health orders. For the safety of all our visitors and volunteers, face masks are encouraged during your visit to the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio. Social distance will be maintained and visitor numbers monitored. Thank you for helping protect our visitors, volunteers, and staff!
We look forward to seeing you!
Current Exhibition
Distinctly Paramount: Fashion & Costume from the Paramount Pictures Archive
Randall Thropp, Curator
June 5, 2021 - January 2, 2022
Hollywood has always been a major influencer in American fashion — and fashion designers have influenced Hollywood. It is truly a symbiotic relationship. Paramount Pictures has been at the forefront of defining style in motion pictures and television for over 100 years. Randall Thropp brings a new exhibit to the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio celebrating studio-created costumes as well as purchased fashions used on camera. It promises to be a colorful exhibition with many costumes seen on exhibit for the first time. Featured designers include Valentino, Roberto Cavalli, Alexander McQueen, Nolan Miller, Edith Head and others.
Beginning May 5, visitors can view a pop-up exhibition featuring mood boards and costumes from the film Rocketman in our Lower Gallery.
Read more about the exhibition here.
Support for the exhibition provided by PNC Arts Alive, The Fox Foundation, Inc., Fairfield County Foundation George and Dollie L. Zimpfer Memorial Fund, Ohio Humanities, and Ohio Arts Council
Randall Thropp, Curator
June 5, 2021 - January 2, 2022
Hollywood has always been a major influencer in American fashion — and fashion designers have influenced Hollywood. It is truly a symbiotic relationship. Paramount Pictures has been at the forefront of defining style in motion pictures and television for over 100 years. Randall Thropp brings a new exhibit to the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio celebrating studio-created costumes as well as purchased fashions used on camera. It promises to be a colorful exhibition with many costumes seen on exhibit for the first time. Featured designers include Valentino, Roberto Cavalli, Alexander McQueen, Nolan Miller, Edith Head and others.
Beginning May 5, visitors can view a pop-up exhibition featuring mood boards and costumes from the film Rocketman in our Lower Gallery.
Read more about the exhibition here.
Support for the exhibition provided by PNC Arts Alive, The Fox Foundation, Inc., Fairfield County Foundation George and Dollie L. Zimpfer Memorial Fund, Ohio Humanities, and Ohio Arts Council
Exhibition Programming
Curator's Talk
Sunday, June 6, 2:00 pm
$8/$5 members prepaid registration, $10 at the door
First United Methodist Church, 163 E Wheeling St, Lancaster
Join Curator Randall Thropp as he talks about his inspiration for the exhibition and featured pieces.
Sunday, June 6, 2:00 pm
$8/$5 members prepaid registration, $10 at the door
First United Methodist Church, 163 E Wheeling St, Lancaster
Join Curator Randall Thropp as he talks about his inspiration for the exhibition and featured pieces.
Fashion Sketch Class
Class FULL
Sunday, June 13, 1:00-3:00 pm
Ages 14+
Emily Rinehardt, Instructor
$30/$25 members
Explore your inner designer with this fashion illustration workshop led by fashion designer Emily Rinehardt. She will teach students the basics of stylized figure drawing, from understanding proportions and the dynamics of poses to exploring the best ways to bring garments to life through rendering.
Class FULL
Sunday, June 13, 1:00-3:00 pm
Ages 14+
Emily Rinehardt, Instructor
$30/$25 members
Explore your inner designer with this fashion illustration workshop led by fashion designer Emily Rinehardt. She will teach students the basics of stylized figure drawing, from understanding proportions and the dynamics of poses to exploring the best ways to bring garments to life through rendering.
Farm to Fashion Nuno Scarf Workshop with Celeste Malvar-Stewart
Class Full
Saturday, August 14, 12:30-3:00 pm
Ages 14+
$75/$68 members
Participants in this workshop will be introduced, through pictures and stories, to the various Ohio sheep and alpaca whose fibre they will use to create one of the most popular fashion accessories: a scarf. Learn the process of Nuno felting (aka laminate felting), using a silk base and textured raw fibre for surface design. Leave class having designed and hand felted your very own mini scarf with slit.
NOTE: Nuno felting is a wet felt process; participants should be prepared to get their hands wet. Please wear appropriate clothing and shoes. If you have a waterproof apron, please bring it to class.
Class Full
Saturday, August 14, 12:30-3:00 pm
Ages 14+
$75/$68 members
Participants in this workshop will be introduced, through pictures and stories, to the various Ohio sheep and alpaca whose fibre they will use to create one of the most popular fashion accessories: a scarf. Learn the process of Nuno felting (aka laminate felting), using a silk base and textured raw fibre for surface design. Leave class having designed and hand felted your very own mini scarf with slit.
NOTE: Nuno felting is a wet felt process; participants should be prepared to get their hands wet. Please wear appropriate clothing and shoes. If you have a waterproof apron, please bring it to class.
Fashion of Our Times: A Runway Show Featuring Four Ohio-Based Designers
Saturday, September 18
11:00 am-1:00 pm, doors open 10:30 am
$65, on sale now
Join us for an intimate runway show, where we will feature four leading Ohio-based designers. This dynamic show will include designs inspired by some of the Paramount film costumes in our exhibition. Join a panel discussion for the designers to share their inspiration, vision, and other behind-the-scenes details leading up to creating their collections. This event will take place outside, in front of the Wendel Center for Art Education.
Designer: Tracy Powell
Brand: House of Isa
Tracy Powell was born to play dress up, which has now evolved into her love of costume design. Her love for textiles leads her to playing with the rough and soft, the shiny and dull - and her whimsical nature reflects her avant-garde approach.
Designer: Xuena Pu
Brand: Xuena
Xuena Pu endeavors to create avant-garde wearable art by applying traditional Chinese textile techniques from the ancient city of Kaifeng, where her mother and grandmother taught and inspired her. Her latest work was inspired by her fascination with macramé plant hangers and includes a combination of natural fabrics and waste yarn that has been rescued from local weavers, also reflecting her concern for sustainability and mindful making.
Designer: Dom Susi
Dom Susi is a recent graduate of Columbus College of Art and Design, who, when not working on his clothing, usually explores new trends and styles as well as rockstar memoirs. He views fashion design as the "ideal art" because he believes it adds a sense of utility that most of the fine arts fail to provide.
Designer: Celeste Malvar-Stewart
Brand: MALVAR = STEWART
Celeste Malvar-Stewart focuses on creating unique, sustainable and ethical pieces. She works with Ohio farmers to obtain wool and alpaca fibres from their happy animals to create couture hand-felted and minimal waste fashion, often incorporating natural dyes. Her goal is to create a connection between ourselves and what we wear as to add greater value to our clothing and extend their use, while supporting local family farms and promoting their fibres.
Saturday, September 18
11:00 am-1:00 pm, doors open 10:30 am
$65, on sale now
Join us for an intimate runway show, where we will feature four leading Ohio-based designers. This dynamic show will include designs inspired by some of the Paramount film costumes in our exhibition. Join a panel discussion for the designers to share their inspiration, vision, and other behind-the-scenes details leading up to creating their collections. This event will take place outside, in front of the Wendel Center for Art Education.
Designer: Tracy Powell
Brand: House of Isa
Tracy Powell was born to play dress up, which has now evolved into her love of costume design. Her love for textiles leads her to playing with the rough and soft, the shiny and dull - and her whimsical nature reflects her avant-garde approach.
Designer: Xuena Pu
Brand: Xuena
Xuena Pu endeavors to create avant-garde wearable art by applying traditional Chinese textile techniques from the ancient city of Kaifeng, where her mother and grandmother taught and inspired her. Her latest work was inspired by her fascination with macramé plant hangers and includes a combination of natural fabrics and waste yarn that has been rescued from local weavers, also reflecting her concern for sustainability and mindful making.
Designer: Dom Susi
Dom Susi is a recent graduate of Columbus College of Art and Design, who, when not working on his clothing, usually explores new trends and styles as well as rockstar memoirs. He views fashion design as the "ideal art" because he believes it adds a sense of utility that most of the fine arts fail to provide.
Designer: Celeste Malvar-Stewart
Brand: MALVAR = STEWART
Celeste Malvar-Stewart focuses on creating unique, sustainable and ethical pieces. She works with Ohio farmers to obtain wool and alpaca fibres from their happy animals to create couture hand-felted and minimal waste fashion, often incorporating natural dyes. Her goal is to create a connection between ourselves and what we wear as to add greater value to our clothing and extend their use, while supporting local family farms and promoting their fibres.
Forensic Costuming with Betsey Potter
Saturday, October 2, 1:00-3:30 pm or
Sunday, October 3, 1:00-3:30 pm, FULL
Ages 14+
$30/$25 members
The restoration of vintage garments has taken on a new life -especially in Hollywood. Costume professional Betsey Potter has been at the forefront of that movement and will be sharing some of her techniques as well as reflecting on her experiences with vintage costumes and fabrics. The presentation will examine the skills needed for handling, cleaning, and displaying vintage pieces. She will be discussing the fabrics needed for restoration and where they can be found. In essence, participants will get a lesson in what to do and not do with your vintage clothing.
Saturday, October 2, 1:00-3:30 pm or
Sunday, October 3, 1:00-3:30 pm, FULL
Ages 14+
$30/$25 members
The restoration of vintage garments has taken on a new life -especially in Hollywood. Costume professional Betsey Potter has been at the forefront of that movement and will be sharing some of her techniques as well as reflecting on her experiences with vintage costumes and fabrics. The presentation will examine the skills needed for handling, cleaning, and displaying vintage pieces. She will be discussing the fabrics needed for restoration and where they can be found. In essence, participants will get a lesson in what to do and not do with your vintage clothing.
Register for Saturday
Curator Tours
Saturday, October 9 or Sunday, October 10, 2:00 pm or
Monday, October 11, 11:00 am
$5
Curator Randall Thropp will be offering in-depth tours of the exhibition. Space is limited, so register early for this wonderful opportunity.
Saturday, October 9 or Sunday, October 10, 2:00 pm or
Monday, October 11, 11:00 am
$5
Curator Randall Thropp will be offering in-depth tours of the exhibition. Space is limited, so register early for this wonderful opportunity.
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Register for Saturday
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Register for Sunday
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Register for Monday
Headband Workshop with Xuena Pu
Sunday, October 17, 1:00-4:00 pm
Ages 14+
$45/$40 members
Fashion designer Xuena Pu instructs learners on the hottest fashion trend, crochet and macramé clothing and accessories. This beginners' class will teach participants the basics of crochet and macramé in a fun and supportive environment. All participants will learn to crochet their own headband using their new skills.
Sunday, October 17, 1:00-4:00 pm
Ages 14+
$45/$40 members
Fashion designer Xuena Pu instructs learners on the hottest fashion trend, crochet and macramé clothing and accessories. This beginners' class will teach participants the basics of crochet and macramé in a fun and supportive environment. All participants will learn to crochet their own headband using their new skills.
Register for Headband Workshop
Of Stanzas and Stilettos
Sunday, October 17, 2:00 pm
$5/$8 members in advance, $10 at the door
Join award-winning Columbus poet Rikki Santer for a reading from her newest collection of poems, Head to Toe of It, which explores the complicated notions of fashion. Thomas McClure, Founder & Executive Director, Columbus Fashion Council & Fashion Week Columbus wrote about it: Rikki Santer completely gives the complex world of fashion a new perspective…her wordsmithery builds a showroom in your head and lets fashion come to life…in surprising and validating ways.
Sunday, October 17, 2:00 pm
$5/$8 members in advance, $10 at the door
Join award-winning Columbus poet Rikki Santer for a reading from her newest collection of poems, Head to Toe of It, which explores the complicated notions of fashion. Thomas McClure, Founder & Executive Director, Columbus Fashion Council & Fashion Week Columbus wrote about it: Rikki Santer completely gives the complex world of fashion a new perspective…her wordsmithery builds a showroom in your head and lets fashion come to life…in surprising and validating ways.
Register for Of Stanzas and Stilettos
Holiday Nuno Scarf Workshop with Celeste Malvar-Stewart
Saturday, November 6, 1:00-4:00 pm
Ages 14+
$75/$68 members
Participants in this workshop will be introduced, through pictures and stories, to the various Ohio sheep and alpaca whose fibre they will use to create one of the most popular fashion accessories: a scarf. Learn the process of Nuno felting (aka laminate felting), using a silk base and textured raw fibre for surface design. Leave class having designed and hand felted your very own mini scarf with slit. Perfect for a holiday gift!
NOTE: Nuno felting is a wet felt process; participants should be prepared to get their hands wet. Please wear appropriate clothing and shoes. If you have a waterproof apron, please bring it to class.
Saturday, November 6, 1:00-4:00 pm
Ages 14+
$75/$68 members
Participants in this workshop will be introduced, through pictures and stories, to the various Ohio sheep and alpaca whose fibre they will use to create one of the most popular fashion accessories: a scarf. Learn the process of Nuno felting (aka laminate felting), using a silk base and textured raw fibre for surface design. Leave class having designed and hand felted your very own mini scarf with slit. Perfect for a holiday gift!
NOTE: Nuno felting is a wet felt process; participants should be prepared to get their hands wet. Please wear appropriate clothing and shoes. If you have a waterproof apron, please bring it to class.
Register for Holiday Scarf Workshop
Upcoming Exhibitions
January 29 - April 24, 2022
Previous Exhibitions
Russian Decorative Arts from the Tsars to the USSR
November 21, 2020 - February 28, 2021
Click here for the virtual exhibition.
- July 18 - October 25, 2020 -- 2 + 3 x 18: Diptychs and Triptychs by 18 Contemporary Ohio Artists
- Jan. 25 - April 26, 2020 -- Tell Me a Story Where the Bad Girl Wins: The Life and Art of Barbara Shermund
- Sept. 21 - Dec. 29, 2019 -- The Ohio Presidents: Surprising Legacies
- May 25 - Aug. 18, 2019 -- Selections from the Pizzuti Collection
- Jan. 26 - April 28, 2019 -- Lilly's World: Decorative Arts & the Art of Lilly Martin Spencer, 1840-1900
- Sept. 15 - Dec. 30, 2018 -- Imagining a Better World: The Artwork of Nelly Toll
- May 19 - Aug. 19, 2018 -- Creating the Illusion: Costumes & Characters from the Paramount Pictures Archive
- Jan. 20 - April 15, 2018 -- Artists of the Winding Road A-Z
- Sept. 9- Dec. 31, 2017 -- In Our Own Image: The Genesis of Photography and the Contemporary Eye
- May 20 - Aug. 13, 2017 -- Three Voices: Conversations on Life and Conflict
- Feb. 4 - April 23, 2017 -- Circular Abstractions: Bull's Eye Quilts
- Sept. 10 - Dec. 31, 2016 -- An Ohio Childhood: 200 Years of Growing Up
- May 21- Aug. 14, 2016 -- Edith Head and Company: Costumes and Jewelry, 1924-2015
- Jan 23 - April 24, 2016 -- Blue Walk: The Art of William Kortlander
- Sept. 12 – Dec. 31, 2015 -- Early Visions of Ohio - 1765-1865
- June 20 – Aug. 23, 2015 -- Persistence of Nature: Featuring the works of James Mason and Karen Rumora
- February 7 - May 17, 2015 -- A Tradition of Progress: Ohio Decorative Arts 1860-1945
- Oct. 25 - Dec. 31, 2014 -- Campana Brothers: Brazilian Design Now
- June 7 - Aug. 24, 2014 -- Designing Woman: Edith Head at Paramount 1924-1967
- Jan. 25 - April 13, 2014 -- My Best Friends are Potters: Ceramics from the Tim Frederich Collection
- Oct. 26 - Dec. 29, 2013 -- Joseph O'Sickey: Unifying Art, Life and Love
- May 4 - Sept. 1, 2013 -- Gorgeous Threads: A World of Textiles
- Jan. 26 - April 7, 2013 -- A Remarkable Menagerie: Animals in Art
- Oct. 20 - Dec. 30, 2012 -- Outcault/Stahler
- June 23 – Sept. 9, 2012 -- Appalachian Strings
- Jan. 21 – May 20, 2012 -- Looking Forward
- Oct. 22, 2011 – Dec. 31, 2011 -- Once Upon a Page
- June 26 – Sept. 4, 2011 -- David Hostetler Unabridged
- Jan. 29 - June 5, 2011 -- Equal in Goodness: Ohio Decorative Arts
- Oct. 23, 2010 - Jan. 2, 2011 -- The Creative Spirit
- May 22 - Sept. 5, 2010 -- Paul Hamilton: Poetry of Place
- Jan. 30 - April 18, 2010 -- Artful Paper: Cut, Folded and Fabulous
- Oct. 3, 2009 - Jan. 3, 2010 -- The Shakers: Abiding Inspiration in Faith and Design
- June 25 - Sept. 6, 2009 -- Along Water Street: New Work by Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson
- April 4 - June 7, 2009 -- Nancy Miller: An Artist's Creative Journey
