As part of the production design team, the set decorator is primarily responsible for giving a level of physical reality to the environments chosen by a film’s director and production designer.

Whether it’s a character’s bedroom, office or secret hideaway, the space has to convey something about that character’s personality, past experience or present emotional state in just a few seconds of screen time.  The set decorator makes those decisions, large and small, about furniture, fabrics, color, personal items and the plethora of objects that give the audience a window into the character’s mind or heart.

“Pulling Back the Drapes” highlights the creative work of the following artists:

Larry Dias, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull – For Indiana Jones to agree to one last caper, the adventure had to be fantastic.  His home library and desk on view say a lot about Indy’s past and his interests.

K.C. Fox, Forgetting Sarah Marshall – Among the many settings in this contemporary romantic comedy is an elaborate Hawaiian hotel suite, which is re-created in the Academy Gallery.

Lauri Gaffin, Iron Man – The Marvel comic book character comes to life in some stunning environments, including a re-created cave set.

Anne Kuljian, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor – This installation features oversized pieces inspired by local Chinese art techniques and artifacts - all to “great” effect.

Jan Pascale, The Spiderwick Chronicles – Based on a successful series of novels for young readers, this production required unusual, and some might say haunted, environments, including a mysterious attic, re-created in a gallery alcove.

Leslie Rollins, Get Smart – A reproduction of the Chief’s office contains references to the original television series from a generation ago.

Susan Bode Tyson, Baby Mama – The main character’s bedroom is a focal point in this modern-day domestic comedy, in which a successful but childless executive hires a woman to give birth for her.

The Academy’s Fourth Floor Gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekends from noon to 6 p.m. Admission is free. Please note the Academy will be closed May 24–26 and July 4–6 in observance of Memorial Day and Independence Day.