Y’all…it’s HOT in Texas!  I mean…HOT!  One way to pass the time…watch movies, inside, with the AC on high.  Movies like Pirates of the Caribbean, The White Countess, Casanova, The Duchess, Phantom of the Opera, Finding Neverland.  Did I list a movie you love?  Oldies but goodies!  Well, how would you like to see some the fabulous period movie costumes from those films?  You can, this summer, at the Arlington Museum of Art!

According to their website, “The Arlington Museum of Art (AMA) is non-collecting museum featuring world-class art exhibitions and companion curated exhibits. The AMA offers educational and instructional programs for adults and children. The museum partners with local educational institutions to bring high quality art education, experiences and programs for local visitors and tourists to the North Texas area. The AMA also provides rental facilities for special events.”

“Howard and Arista Joyner were instrumental in founding the Arlington Art Association in 1952. Howard established the Art Department at the University of Texas at Arlington and Arista was the first art teacher at Arlington High School, as well as establishing the Art Department at then Tarrant County Junior College. Through their influence, as well as the participation of other noted Arlington families, including the Martins, Vandergriffs and Hawkes, the Arlington Art Association was founded in 1952 to promote art activities throughout the community. In subsequent years, the organization sponsored shows for local artists, as well as juried art exhibits and art auctions to raise money for college scholarships for high school students in Arlington.  The organization created a savings fund to purchase a building in which they could establish a permanent home for the group.”

Movie costumes from Sherlock Holmes

The museum typically hosts four major exhibitions each year, and until August 12, 2018, visitors can enjoy the very special exhibit, “Cut! Costume and the Cinema.”  On our visit, my daughter and I were warmly greeted by museum Executive Director Chris Hightower, who volunteers his time to the museum.  Chris is a delight, and is extensively knowledgable about the museum, its history, and this fantastic exhibit.

Well over 30 movie costumes are on display, with excellent information about the star who wore the piece, in which film, the name of the costume designer, and any awards given.  The costumes were provided by COSPROP, who, according to their website, is “one of the world’s leading costumers to film, television and theatre. They specialize in the hire and making-to-hire of period costume for professional productions.”

Movie costumes from Phantom of the Opera

And y’all…the details on these movie costumes are breathtaking.  The ability to see the fabrics, the embroidery, the lace up close, is truly a special treat.  Visitors to the AMA can also a montage of clips from all the films represented in the exhibit, so that you can be reminded of the particular scene in which the movie costumes appeared.

This is a fantastic exhibit, running through August 12, 2018.  Tickets are $10, $5 for students and seniors, and kids under 12 are free.  Fantastic way to spend a hot afternoon in Texas!

Hollywood Style, y’all!

This post was written in collaboration with the Arlington Museum of Art and the Arlington Convention and Visitors Bureau.  All opinions are my own.

For other ways to pass the hot summer days in Texas looking at fantastic art, check out this post and this post!