'Capturing a Style' opens Wednesday at Hillestad Gallery

            "Capturing a Style," an exhibit that explores the variety of illustrating styles and techniques used by four 20th century illustrators, opens Jan. 22 at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Robert Hillestad Gallery.

            In the exhibit, Lindsay Ducey, a graduate student in the UNL Department of Textiles, Mechandising and Fashion Design, examines how the work of Tony Viramontes, Erte, Bernard Blossac and Mats Gustafson can be used to inspire both contemporary illustration and design. Each illustrator was known for a distinct style, and the garments and illustrations work to capture the spirit of the illustrator. Ducey completed the collection of original garments and illustrations as part of her thesis work, with Barbara Trout serving as major professor.

            Twentieth century illustration reflected different eras in fashion and life, with each illustrator presenting his or her unique interpretation of dress. Ducey demonstrates in her work how illustration and design can influence each other. Her exhibition features an assortment of original illustrations, from detailed color renderings exploring multiple stylistic approaches, to quick sketches displaying the role of illustration in the design process. The quick sketches and detailed drawings both contribute to the development of the designer's distinct illustrating style and influence the garments created for the exhibition.

            Ducey's collection reflects the stylistic approaches and garment details used by each of the selected illustrators at a given period of time within the 20th century. A variety of fabrics are used in the collection to further emphasize the overall look of each design.

            The exhibit runs through Feb. 14. A public reception at the gallery will be 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 7 and will include a gallery talk by Ducey will at 6:30.

            The Hillestad Gallery is part of the Department of Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design in the UNL College of Education and Human Sciences. The gallery is on the second floor of the Home Economics Building on East Campus, on 35th Street north of East Campus Loop. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday and by appointment. Admission is free. Guest parking is available near the building and metered stalls are located in the Nebraska East Union lot. For more information, call 402-472-2911 or visit http://textilegallery.unl.edu.

Writer: Wendy Weiss