Chris’ Costume Series is an extension of his career in theatre. He began working in London UK on major West End and Broadway shows. In 1999, Klein moved to Canada and accepted the post of Head of Scenic Art at the Stratford Festival in 2007. 

​It was here in Stratford, inspired by their extensive costume warehouses, that Chris began his costume series. The collection has expanded to feature costumes from other theatres including the NAC in Ottawa where Chris currently works as Head of Scenic Art. Chris also uses film and TV as inspiration including the Radio Canada collection in Montreal and specific designer collections.

This past summer, Klein traveled to Europe to work with a designer based in Switzerland. On this trip he arranged visits with the curators of the Victoria and Albert Museum and with the Historic Royal Palaces in London UK. He took hundreds of photos of their vast archives, and came home to begin painting costumes by famous designers, historic and period pieces worn by British monarchy, and even pieces dating to 1673 worn by King James II for his wedding.
 
The first two works inspired by this trip will be included in the exhibition at Westland Gallery. One painting features a dress designed by Zandra Rhodes, a famous British designer who has completed work for many celebrities and Royalty. The second piece shows beachwear worn by Princess Margaret and a debutante dress.

In her exhibition,  "Rooms of the House," Maggee Day represents her peers and their domestic environments in large-scale oil paintings.

"I create truthful portraits as a way to share my perspective as a spectator of contemporary life," says Maggee.

Below, Maggee shares her thoughts on the individual paintings included in the show. Flip through the slideshow to see each work.