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For centuries, dresses have defined and flattered the female figure. They've been women's closest companions at some of life's biggest occasions. • Yet some might suggest that this once-prominent symbol of femininity has taken a back seat to slacks, suits and jeans. • Not so, says Susan Benjamin, owner of Syd Entel Galleries and Susan Benjamin Glass.
"My daughters, who are 15 and 21, wear dresses all the time," she said. "I think dresses are making a comeback."
They are at her art gallery, anyway.
Benjamin has pulled together the works of six artists who celebrate the dress and the female figure in an exhibition called "Art Dresses." The artisans use glass, metal, fabric and paint to give the dress a whole new look and feel, often in a nostalgic, experimental or surprising way.
The exhibition opens with a public reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday and runs through Dec. 2.
"This is my dream show," Benjamin said. "I love dresses. I love dance, and it occurred to me that others probably do, too. I am following my heart on this one."
She was inspired by a painting of a ballerina dress created by Craig Alan, a Georgia artist who came up with a "dress series" based on a diary he found at a flea market. In it, a young woman described dresses she wore on certain occasions.
The painting reminded Benjamin of her childhood dance classes, and the idea for the show was hatched.
Putting together a show like this was a bit challenging. But Benjamin manages to pull it all together into one great look, even accessorizing with some art pieces of purses and shoes.
Viewers may be swept back to the days of Ozzie and Harriet, when A-line dresses and spaghetti straps ruled the Earth, as they look at paintings by North Carolina artist Sarah Atkinson.
Or they'll reminisce over Kathleen Holmes' vintage paper doll cutouts adorning the skirt of one dress.
"I bought a collection of paper doll clothes and cutouts on eBay," said Holmes, who lives in Lake Worth. "Someone was cleaning out, and it was a treasure trove for me."
Todd McClure of Oregon shapes glass into the ideal feminine form with a twist of the shoulders and pelvis that defines the torso in a sensual way.
Polish artist Katarzyna Karbownik creates sparkling sculptural glass dresses featuring a variety of motifs. She hangs them on miniature handcrafted hangers.
Maryland artist Donna McCullough pays homage to her female relatives with a series of clever dresses crafted from tin candy tins and cookie tins. She also pokes fun at our oil culture with her unusual bodices of Eagle gasoline and Mobile Oil cans.
"Who would think to do that?" Benjamin marveled.
Have a Diversions idea? Contact Terri Bryce Reeves at treeves@tampabay.rr.com.
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