Ken Fox
Editor's Note: When costumers retire, they don’t really retire…they just find a new way to channel their creativity! Pam Markel, immediate past president of the NCA, is contributing a column to NCA Today that highlights the activities of retired members. In this edition, she describes the creative endeavors of Ken Fox.
By Pam Markel
Life after costuming is not the slightest bit dull for former costumer Ken Fox. Ken and his partner of 43 years, Ken Epperly, were the owners of the magnificent store Magic Makers in Huntington W.V. for 36 years.
Ken has been a lifelong learner. No matter where the NCA National Conventions were located, Ken Fox would find something to explore and learn throughout that city. Costuming wasn’t just a business for him, it was the research behind the costumes, the production and the actors that intrigued him.
Retirement has not changed things for Ken. He has served on the Board of Trustees at the Huntington Museum of Art for two years, where he holds the position of head of hospitality (hosting events), the accessibility committee and the collections and acquisitions committee.
Ken’s love of history and adventure has encouraged his love for traveling. He has traveled to Europe twice, Israel, Egypt, Mexico, Canada, Alaska and 45 states. Ken Fox and his travel partner Debbie Meredith have been to China, Hawaii, Cabos Mexico, Athens Greece and just recently South Africa.
Ken loves to collect ethnic fabric and masks. In his travels, he has added beautiful fabrics and masks from all over the world to his collection. Once a costumer always a costumer!
Ken Fox and the chief of a village in South Africa
On his latest trip to South Africa, he and Debbie were exploring a small village. The village chief asked everyone in his group how they made a living. When Ken said he made costumes, the chief took him aside and asked if he would come back and teach his people how to make their clothing. “We bonded immediately,” said Ken.
Retirement only opens new avenues for costumers. They may not be making costumes, but their creativity finds new avenues to explore.
Ken Fox and Ken Epperly were my mentors for years, as I learned how to navigate theatre. I am thankful for their friendship and all their advice.