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Dolly Parton and the Makers: My Life in Rhinestones

Lipscomb University Fashion & Design presents Dolly Parton and the Makers: My Life in Rhinestones, a limited time, one-of-a-kind fashion exhibition from October 31-December 9, 2023 at the John C. Hutcheson Gallery in Beaman Library on campus.

This exhibit presented by Lipscomb Fashion & Design will feature dozens of Dolly's looks through the decades and tell the story of the makers behind the looks, the songs, the stories, and the true magic that happens behind the seams. This fashion exhibition will be the first physical interpretation of her new Fashion focused book, "Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones," out October 17 and available for pre-order now at this link. Tickets are available for purchase at $25 per person for a 45-minute tour. There is limited capacity and availability for this six week exhibition, so purchase your tickets today!

Dolly Parton and the Makers promotional image

The Makers

Lipscomb University's Fashion & Design Department, including Dolly’s lead archivist and Behind The Seams: My Life In Rhinestones book curator Rebecca Seaver, and visiting faculty member—and Dolly’s former head patternmaker and seamstress—Iisha Lemming, collaborated with the Makers of Dolly’s wardrobe to curate this collection. Dozens of her iconic gowns will be on display for you to see and examine the talents of her team. Visitors will get an inside look at the creative process, unique techniques and endless hours it takes to create these treasured looks that have become iconic throughout Dolly Parton's career and lifetime.

Tickets on sale NOW

What to Expect at the Exhibit

  • Tickets must be purchased online, ahead of time. No tickets will be available for purchase onsite at the exhibition. If guests arrive late or miss their viewing session, a refund will not be given and a new viewing will need to be rescheduled for a later time. There will be No Refunds.

  • Please arrive early for your viewing session to check in and view the gift shop. Please enter through the main Beaman Library entrance. Once inside, there will be signage to direct you to the left wing where the John C. Hutcheson Gallery is located.

  • Guests will check in at the ticket desk located in front of the gallery. Guests must present their digital tickets at the time of check in and will receive a wristband. Then, you will be directed down the side hallway to enter the exhibit.

  • Each viewing session will start at the beginning of every hour and run for 45 minutes (i.e. 10 to 10:45) with the exception of the last viewing session. The gallery and gift shop will close shortly after the last viewing. 

    Tuesday - Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    * Final tour is 5:15 to 6 p.m.

    Closed Sunday and Monday

  • We also ask you to be mindful of our university campus and all of our students as class is in session.

Parking

Event parking will be available for guests at the main university parking lot, located at One University Park Drive, off Belmont Boulevard, in front of Beaman Library, labeled and color-coordinated in pink. There will be parking attendants present to ensure a flow of traffic and open availability.

Location

Guests will enter through the main Beaman Library entrance on the far left two doors, and go to the left near the gallery. Once inside, there will be signage to direct the crowd directly to the left wing where the John C. Hutcheson Gallery is located. Guests will check in at the front ticket desk located in the Archaeology Lobby in front of the gallery.

 

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