Lesley Neilson-Bowman
Washington
Summary
Designer and teaching artist experienced in creative collaboration and mentorship, effectively nurturing creativity and artistic expression in students.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Costume Designer
Hartt School
10.2015 - Current
- Designed costumes for diverse theatrical productions, enhancing character representation and audience engagement.
- Collaborated with directors and production teams to align costume designs with artistic vision and performance themes.
- Researched historical and contemporary fashion trends to inform authentic costume creation for various genres.
- Created detailed costume sketches and technical drawings to communicate design concepts effectively to the production team.
- Mentored junior designers and students in costume design processes, fostering skill development and creativity.
Taft School Adjunct Fine Arts Department
Taft School
01.2015 - Current
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.
Costume Designer
Free Lance
06.1992 - Current
- Designed numerous professional productions, including the broadway showcase premiere One for my Baby at 42nd Street Studios, numerous Off, and Off Broadway productions, regional theater in NY., and Ct, including the University of Ct., and pilobolous.
Resident Costume Designer/Costume Shop Manager
Downtown Cabaret Theater
12.1997 - 07.2026
- Designed costumes for over 200 theatrical productions.
- Oversaw costume shop staff
- Mentored young designers, and costume technicians
- worked closely with creative team
Teaching Artist
ASAP After School Art Program
09.2007 - 08.2019
- Developed and implemented engaging art curricula for diverse student populations.
- Facilitated hands-on workshops, fostering creativity and artistic expression among participants.
- Collaborated with fellow teaching artists.
- Taught a wide range of art classes, including fashion and costume history, costume design, millenary, mask making, puppet making, fashion design, sewing, and theater arts.
Education
Master of Science - MFA Theater Design
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT06-1992
Bachelor of Arts - BFA in Fine Arts, Art History
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY06-1989
Skills
- sewing
- visual artist
- millenary
- art
- Student engagement
- Collaborative learning
- costume design
- Creative instruction
- Project-based learning
Affiliations
Artist member WAA Washington Art Association
Member Artist Shows include submissions in mixed media/ceramic/fiber arts
WAA Member show 2024.
WAA member show 2025,
Holiday show 2025
Beauty in Breaking 2026
Warrens Landing Gallery, Woodbury, CT.
Mixed media, ceramic work on display
Timeline
Costume Designer
Hartt School
10.2015 - Current
Taft School Adjunct Fine Arts Department
Taft School
01.2015 - Current
Teaching Artist
ASAP After School Art Program
09.2007 - 08.2019
Resident Costume Designer/Costume Shop Manager
Downtown Cabaret Theater
12.1997 - 07.2026
Costume Designer
Free Lance
06.1992 - Current
Master of Science - MFA Theater Design
University of Connecticut
Bachelor of Arts - BFA in Fine Arts, Art History
Syracuse University