Masks made of horsehair, costumes consisting of black cloaks and headdresses complete with copper netting adorn the walls of Renee Kropat’s business.
Many might assume that Kropat manages a costume shop that is gearing up for the Halloween season.
However, Korpat is director of Gallery 202, a Westerville based gallery that specializes in contemporary art.
Currently on exhibition, “Headdresses, Masks, and Costumes” is a collection of dresses created by Midwestern artists. Some pieces are non-functional. Others were produced for theatrical productions, yet each piece narrates a particular story.
Connie Wood’s “Eleven of Dreams” is a gown layered with a vivd array of fabrics, pennants, and ribbons.
The piece was created in response to a dream Wood had one night.
The dress is accompanied by poem from Wood that describes the dream.
“Donkey Mask” by Stefan Langer, was created for the Strollers Student Theatrics production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at OSU.
The character of Bottom wore the lifelike mask made of leather, horsehair, rabbit fur and metal wire.
Nancy Vance’s “Festival of the Moons” is a hand dyed headdress that serves as a vibrant hanging wall piece.
Felt, paper, plastic and a collection of family photos were gathered to complete Kriss Jenny Case’s “P.O.V..” The collage of different types of masks and poignant memories chronicles the life of a mother.
Kropat, also a mother, began Gallery 202 seven years ago to create an environment in which contemporary art could thrive in the community.
Two years ago Kropat moved 202 to its current location, a renovated space that was previously known as the Westerville Hotel.
An OSU graduate with degrees in Allied Health and Industrial Design, Kropat is a multimedia artist, who frequently includes her own work in the gallery’s exhibitions. “I am proud that 202 is the type of gallery that promotes pieces that truly represent who these artists really are,” said Kropat.
Noting the personal value that each piece in the collection holds, Kropat said she was surprised that most of the collection’s pieces are for sale.
Kropat, received a bachelor’s of Fine Art from the Columbus College of Art and Design, and tends to compose her collections by sending out artist calls for entries on certain objects, such as last year’s collection, “Passages.”
In that exhibition, over one hundred artists submitted their creations involving the symbolic power of the wedding gown.
“Headdresses, Masks, and Costumes” is on display until October 31. Gallery 202 is located at 3 West Main St. in downtown Westerville.
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