Appropriation vs. Appreciation Discussion
with Persi Tam & Grace Amundsen Barnkow
Saturday, July 11th
11 - 12 PM PT
Have you ever admired garb from other cultures? Maybe you’ve seen videos from Indian weddings, or been interested in cosplaying a historical Japanese character from an anime. Threading the needle between cultural appreciation and appropriation can be tricky—not to mention the vast gray areas in between.
Through practical guidelines, real-world examples, and interactive discussion, we’ll examine topics such as historical research, power dynamics, culturally significant artifacts, representation, and impact versus intent. Participants will leave with tools to evaluate costume choices, ask thoughtful questions, and engage more respectfully with diverse cultural traditions. Whether you are new to costuming or an experienced maker, this class offers a framework for navigating complex cultural issues with curiosity and respect.
The Zoom link will be emailed on 7/10/26.
Meet the instructors:
 Persi Tam (@persiktam) is a multidisciplinary maker and historical costumer who loves the moment when an idea becomes something you can actually wear. They got their start in cosplay and the SCA and stayed for the challenge: give them a theme, a budget, and a pile of constraints and they’re happy. Persi works primarily in natural fibers and enjoys deep research, especially when making costuming spaces less colonized and more inclusive. Their favorite cheque particolor cotehardie has a saga of mistakes, hand finishing, and community. Outside of costuming, they’re a Lindy hopper, choir singer, theatre kid, and mutual aid organizer.
Grace Amundsen Barnkow has been a costumer since 2020, crafting ensembles from Bronze Age Mesopotamia to the Titanic Era, primarily in the historical or history-bounding space. Her engineering background infuses a mixed-materials flair into designing patterns, molding props, and 3D printing. Specializing in extravagant hair, headdresses, and accessories, she brings a touch of whimsy to her work. Grace also makes her own fabric, from shearing her angora goats to weaving and dyeing.
Registration fee: FREE but must register to receive Zoom link!
Tickets Available through July 9, 2026. Zoom links will be emailed to attendees on July 10, 2026, after 5 pm PT. (This lecture will be live via Zoom.)
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