September 21 – October 30, 2012
“Curtains Without Borders” is a conservation project dedicated to documenting and preserving historic painted scenery. The travelling exhibition, on display in the Copley Common Space Gallery at River Arts, shows a collection of large photographs which document the rich history of painted theater curtains from around the State of Vermont.
 |
| Hardwick Townhouse Curtain |
A hundred years ago, grand drapes and painted backdrops were the primary artistic feature in the cultural life of almost every village and town in northern New England. The “curtains” provided color and escapism
in institutions that varied greatly in size and professional capacity. These theater curtains (primarily muslin roll drops, not the “velvet” drapery curtains commonly used today) hang in town halls, grange halls and opera houses all over the state.
During the last 12 years, a Vermont conservation team, “Curtains Without Borders” has stabilized all 185
historic theater curtains in Vermont. Most of them have been re- installed for use or display on their home stages, but in order to protect them from light, dirt and inadvertent mishandling, they are generally kept rolled up except for special occasions.The Common Space Gallery
River Arts Center
74 Pleasant Street
Morrisville, VT
Gallery hours: Monday-Friday, 10 am-2 pm.
For off hours, please call 802-888-1261
Admission is free.
www.riverartsvt.org
