A New Show at Studio Place Arts Does the Unmentionable

The invention of the brassiere is apocryphally credited to Otto Titzling (think “tit-sling”), while history shows that New York socialite Mary Phelps Jacob filed the patent for the modern bra in 1910. Whatever. Many women maintain the belief that the torturous item was indeed created by a man. But urban legends and factual record make not a whit of difference at Studio Place Arts [1]. The Barre gallery has just issued a call to artists for “Bra-Ha-Ha!”, a show that will feature artist-made “chest halters” in any media. “Go wild, go demure, go, go-go!” a press release giddily urges.

SPA is known for coming up with creatively themed group exhibits, such as the popular mail-art show earlier this year and the current crop of red works, a primary-colored nod to the hot days of summer. Montpelier’s Gabrielle Dietzel came up with the undergarment idea, says SPA Executive Director Sue Higby. Inspired, Higby’s entering two proposals herself. “For example, I’ll be creating a ‘Wonder Bra’ out of the polka-dot wrapper from a loaf of Wonder Bread,” she reveals. “I may decide to stuff the bra with slices of bread . . . we’ll see!”