Art Speaks: Artists and Collectors
Aesthetically Pleasing: The Multidisciplinary Practice of a Florist and Costume Designer
with Donna Jopp
Join local florist and costume designer/seamstress Donna Jopp in a presentation of her multidisciplinary practices. Donna Jopp, former college instructor, and now florist shop owner, will speak on aesthetics and process in both artistic disciplines.
This presentation is offered as part of Art Speaks and takes place at the Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery from 6:30-8 pm. Pre-registration is required. Light refreshments available. For ages 18+.
About Donna Jopp
Donna Jopp began her creative journey in high school drama. There, she found a love of theatre, costuming and the creative processes involved in bringing a production to life. Donna attended the University of Lethbridge and finished her four years at university with a Bachelor of Arts in Drama. As she was finishing her undergraduate degree, she learned of a program starting in Red Deer geared to teaching the knowledge and skills required to create costumes for theatre and film. She finished the two year Costume Cutting and Construction program at Red Deer College and went on to work in various theatres and for independent film companies for two years in Calgary, Edmonton, Banff, and even one season at the Stratford Festival in Ontario.
Donna was given the opportunity to teach in the very program that got her started in costuming; she taught all of the first year courses in the CCC program until its closure in 2007. Donna assisted with the transition of the CCC program to Olds College and was able to stay on at RDC as Head of wardrobe for the remaining film, theatre performance and technician programs. Along with designing costumes for various productions over 11 years, she hired and managed staff, tracked the costume budgets, collaborated with guest artists, and managed costume rentals from the extensive RDC costume stock.
Donna made the transition to flowers as an entrance into a second career. Having grown up with a mother and grandmother who both loved to garden, she found both joy and comfort being around the flowers she became familiar with as a child. She found that much of the information she learned in association with design for costumes, easily translated to flower arrangements! The opportunity arose to become the new owner of the studio she trained in and in June of this year, the move from former costume manager to flower shop manager was complete. Donna is looking forward to many more years of creativity, no matter what medium she is working in!
