Tempe Center for the Arts is kicking off the New Year with an incredible new exhibition Merely Players.

This exhibition will showcase “the artistic talents of local costume makers, the creative diversity of Arizona performing arts organizations and the increasing popularity of cultural events where costumes play an important role”, states TCA Curator, Michelle Nichols Dock. Merely Players examines the idea that “the stage” is a place where performers create a persona transporting audiences to another time and place, such a fascinating concept. Merely Players “explores the vision, process and culminating role that costumes play in creating altered egos on and off the stage”, according to the TCA website. Come and enjoy the Free Public Reception for Merely Players at Tempe Center for the Arts next Friday, January 15th from 6-9pm.

This exhibition features several wonderful workshops inspired by the "Merely Players" theatrical costumes exhibition including “Starter Corsets” with Local costume designer, Cynthia Randall on April 16, 1-4 pm with tickets for just $35 each. Create your own Elizabethan era corset pattern in addition to a Randall’s in-depth hands-on demonstration in the art of making a period style or cosplay corset at home with basic materials (previous sewing experience required).

Also create your own masterpiece during “Art After Work Series” with classes lead by local artist and educator Laura Hukill (no art experience necessary). Make art while enjoying a complementary drink with tickets for these events are $35 and take place 6-8:30 pm in the Gallery. Paint a “Cherry Blossom Kimono” on January 20th, on February 5th paint a wonderful fox during “Foxy Valentine”, and enjoy “O'Keefe's Calla Lillies” on March 16 with an opportunity to recreate a beautiful Georgia O’Keefe iconic flower.

This exhibition was made possible through the generosity of the Arizona Opera, Ballet Arizona, Brose Brothers’ Productions, Childsplay, Phoenix Theatre, Southwest Shakespeare Company, the TCA Foundation, Tempe History Museum, Tempe Public Library, costume consultants Rebecca Akins and Sandie Tignor and artists John and Sabrina Floyd, Zarco Guerrero, and Cynthia Randall. The Merely Players exhibition will be on display January 15th through May 14, 2016 in the TCA Gallery.

Admission to the TCA Gallery is free with viewing hours Tuesday- Friday 10-6 pm and on Saturday 11-6 pm. Come and explore the wonderful 3,500 square-foot visual arts space showcasing a variety of artwork by local and internationally recognized artists. Visit the TCA Gallery online for more information regarding this exhibition, the gallery, or special events (http://www.tempe.gov/city-hall/community-services/tempe-center-for-the-arts/gallery-at-tca). Images courtesy and copyright of TCA.