In the Art Department, The Gorey Project began over the summer with an experimental book arts course titled, Books without Books, taught by Carla Poindexter, Associate Professor of Art. Upper level art students researched Gorey's style and subject matter extensively within the context of his intentions and various audiences. The Gorey Project continued this fall with another book arts course titled The Illuminated Book. Again, the students researched Gorey's work and viewed the exhibition Elegant Enigmas: The Art of Edward Gorey to discuss his various approaches to narrative with an emphasis on his delightfully ironic and mysterious humor.
In the Theatre Department, a small group of design students worked in an independent study course with UCF faculty Vandy Wood, Associate Professor in Design and Coordinator of the MFA Design Program, and Tan Huaixiang, Associate Professor in Costume and Makeup Design, to design and build Gorey inspired masks and hats for a performance on October 31 at the OMA. The students in this course researched and studied the work of Gorey. They collaborated with students from an Art Department course taught by Associate Professor Chuck Abraham to design and build mask and hat projects for the performance event. The performers for this October 31 event are UCF theatre students working with Christopher Niess, Associate Professor, Chair, and Artistic Director of the Theatre Department, in a performance class that addresses mask work.
In addition to these performances on October 31, complimentary light refreshments will be available courtesy of Sweet Tomatoes from 1 to 3pm, and Halloween mask making will be offered for a fee of $3. Children in Halloween costumes under 12 years of age will be admitted for free with a paid adult admission of $8.