MTSU’s student chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers is taking the community into the garden with its fall 2016 lecture, “The Garden Party: Celebration of the Domestic Arts,” set Thursday, Sept. 29.

This corset, created by MTSU Textiles, Merchandising and Design Program Coordinator Gina Pisut and modeled by an MTSU student, will be on display at “The Garden Party: Celebration of the Domestic Arts” Sept. 29 at Oaklands Mansion. (photos submitted)

The event, which is set for 6 p.m. in Maney Hall at Oaklands Mansion, 900 N. Maney Ave. in Murfreesboro, will be preceded by a 5 p.m. reception catered by McAlister’s.

The lecture and reception are free and open to the public.

“Who doesn’t like to dress up a little bit, put on a pretty hat and have a nice morning or afternoon in the garden?” said Deborah Belcher, chair of MTSU’s Department of Human Sciences and a registered interior designer.

Belcher and two of her colleagues will impart their wisdom on both historical and contemporary elements of garden parties and display examples of their own work.

Gina Pisut, coordinator of the university’s Textiles, Merchandising and Design Program — also known as TXMD — will examine corsetry. Lauren Rudd, assistant professor in the TXMD program, will talk about quilting, and Belcher will address floral arrangements.

Belcher said the artistry and craftsmanship of these creative expressions are only part of the emphasis on home, hearth, shelter, food and relationships that characterize human sciences.

Deborah Belcher

“We’re showing just three examples of the multiple domestic arts that are out there,” said Belcher. “We’re looking at our history but also who we are today in human sciences.”

During the event, an array of historic quilts will be on display in Maney Hall, and a gallery show of all three professors’ handiwork will be on display in the mansion itself.

Belcher said the gallery show will be on exhibit through the end of September, including during Oaklands’ Oktoberfest celebration Saturday, Sept. 24.

“The Garden Party: Celebration of the Domestic Arts” is sponsored by the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences, the Department of Human Sciences and Oaklands.

For more information, contact Belcher at 615-898-2302 or deborah.belcher@mtsu.edu.

— Gina K. Logue (gina.logue@mtsu.edu)

This floral arrangement created by Deborah Belcher, chair of the MTSU Department of Human Sciences, will be on display at “The Garden Party: Celebration of the Domestic Arts” Sept. 29 at Oaklands Mansion.