Do the Mu!—Film Noir

Wednesday  |  February 18, 2015  |  14:45 PM

News Release:  Do the Mu!—Film Noir

“Film noir” will be the theme of the next “Do the Mu!” at the Massillon Museum—Saturday, March 7, from noon to 2:00 p.m. The workshop will complement the 2015 ReelMassillon film series, which concentrates on screening classics of the film noir genre. Participants of all ages are invited to drop in any time during the workshop.  No reservations are required.

“French for ‘black film,’ film noir is a distinct movie style from old Hollywood. Explore its beauty and mystique with a make-and-take craft.” said Massillon Museum Education and Outreach Coordinator Heather Haden. 

The instructor, Alex Strader, will offer two craft options. Some participants may choose to create dioramas of theatre interiors from boxes. Others may opt to create a mini film noir movie poster. Students will learn about the aesthetics of film noir and use them in their work (silhouetted figures, smoky scenes, etc). 

Strader, who frequently leads classes and workshops at the Massillon Museum, is an artist, illustrator, and art educator. His work has been displayed in various local magazines and alternative publications, as well as in many group shows and exhibitions in the Massillon and Akron area.

“Do the Mu!”—a free event—adds a hands-on dimension to a Massillon Museum visit, providing an intergenerational, interactive outlet for creativity. All materials, tools, and instruction are supplied at no charge.  

The Museum’s lower lobby exhibition ties directly to the Do the Mu theme. The Black and Orange Cinema: Film Noir in Massillon, Ohio exhibition includes the history of movie theatres in Massillon, including a city map with photographic reproductions and location markers. It recalls the Gish sisters, who spent childhood summers in Massillon, through photographic reproductions and film footage. To connect the film noir exhibit with this year’s The Big Read book selection—Old School by Tobias Wolff, authors Ernest Hemingway and Ayn Rand, both characters in the book, are featured. Both wrote books that have been made into film noir Hollywood releases.

Visitors can also see the Ninth Annual Ohio Collage Society Exhibition; the Studio M Paintings by Mary Lou Eberly exhibition; Paul Brown: The Professional Years; Massillon and the War of the Rebellion: Women and the War; It’s Been Awhile; Politics, Pantaloons, and Protest Marches; and an exhibition commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Massillon Area Chamber of Commerce. The Immel Circus diorama is always on display.

The Museum shop, OHregionalities, and the lobby café, Anderson’s in the City, will be open, and photostrips from the vintage photobooth will be available for purchase.

The Massillon Museum receives operating support from the Ohio Arts Council and ArtsinStark.

The Massillon Museum is located at 121 Lincoln Way East (Ohio Route 172) in downtown Massillon.  Free parking is available on adjacent streets and in nearby city lots.  For more information, call the Museum at 330-833-4061 or visit massillonmuseum.org.