February Art Talk at Piedmont Arts

Join Piedmont Arts on Thursday, Feb. 15 to learn about the arts in style. This Art Talk in the galleries features speaker Suellen DaCosta Coelho, a Brazilian fashion and costume designer. There will be a reception at 6:30 p.m. and the lecture will begin at 7 p.m. This event is free with a suggested donation of $20.

Coelho holds a degree in clothing production from her home country of Brazil, with an emphasis on fashion and costume design. Coelho was costume designer in various Brazilian music and audiovisual performances and recently graduated with her M.F.A. in costume design at Louisiana State University where she was also the costume shop teaching assistant. Her graduate research was on second line parades in New Orleans. Second line parades are cultural descendants of jazz funerals, and have been described as a block party in motion featuring jubilant dancing and brass bands.  By conducting interviews and participating in these with the Undefeated Divas, Gents, and Kids, Coelho explored the way that identity and cultures are defined by style and the way people dress. Coelho was named the Undefeated Diva Queen for 2022 and participated in a year’s worth of parade events with this title.

Piedmont Arts is thrilled to host Coelho as she discusses her history, fashion, culture, and her experience in the jazz and parade scene in New Orleans. Reservations can be made by calling Piedmont Arts at 276-632-3221.