History of Jazz, Photography on Display at Sheldon Art Gallery

Three days before the official opening for six new exhibitions at The Sheldon Art Galleries, art galleries director Olivia Lahs-Gonzales zipped through the exhibition space on a whirlwind tour.

“These are pretty stunning,” Lahs-Gonzales said, looking at the large photographs of Tim Simmons. “He uses a (large format) four by five camera. They’re amazingly detailed — you can see every blade of grass.”

Simmons and Steve Giovinco have photos in the “Edge of Darkness” exhibit. The photos contributed by Simmons are all shot in darkness or near darkness, with artificial light introduced to highlight certain areas. 

Lahs-Gonzales is excited to offer these works and others to the public, starting with an all-gallery opening reception 5-7 p.m. today.

In addition to “Edge of Darkness,” the other new exhibits are “Liquid Terrain: 20 Years of Works on Paper by Eva Lundsager;” “Art by Children of Artists;” “Made in the Shade: Paul Rudolph’s Florida Houses Revisited;” “The Beat Goes On: Instruments from the Hartenberger World Music Collection;” and “Northern Haiti: Human Landscape Photographs by Patti Gabriel.”

History of Jazz

Around the corner, adjacent to Giovinco’s mood-filled photos, the History of Jazz hosts the Hartenberger World Music Collection. The collection, assembled over 35 years by Dr. Aurelia Hartenberger, includes everything from a clarinet and a piano formerly owned by Artie Shaw and trumpets from jazz great Clark Terry to an eye-catching, eight-foot-tall bass tuba that had two mouthpieces and could be played while seated or standing.

The exhibit also has drums, various brass instruments and a banjo from the Civil War, plus photos of the men who played them.

“Songs and music of the Civil War covered every aspect of the conflict, and every emotion,” according to the display’s accompanying text. “Music was played on the march, in camp, even in battle. Armies marched to the heroic rhythms of drums and brass bands. The fear and tedium of sieges was eased by nightly band concerts, which often featured requests shouted from both sides of the lines.”

There are also drums from African cultures, and many fascinating, ornately detailed sculptures representing world culture.

“From that perspective, it’s a real treat to have those up,” Lahs-Gonzales said.

Northern Haiti

The Northern Haiti exhibit is in the Nancy Spirtas Kranzberg Gallery, a separate exhibit space in the building’s lower level.

“That’s a fascinating show,” Lahs-Gonzales said.

The artist exhibit blends photographs taken in Haiti with sounds recorded there.

“So you’re really immersed in the culture and sounds of Haiti when you walk through the exhibit, because they’ve wired the whole gallery with speakers,” Lahs-Gonzales said. “So there are wonderful sounds of the forests of Haiti, the people, the ocean, playing through the gallery as you’re viewing the photographs.”

When to Go

The galleries are open noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday, noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The galleries are also open one hour before all Sheldon concerts, and during intermission.

“If you’re coming to a concert, come early, beat the traffic, grab a glass of wine and walk through the galleries,” Lahs-Gonzales said. “It’s always a nice way to unwind and start the evening before the concert.”

The Sheldon Art Galleries are located next to The Sheldon Concert Hall at 3648 Washington Blvd., St. Louis. Admission to the opening reception is free, and includes drinks and light snacks. Admission to the galleries is free, but donations are welcomed.

For more information, call The Sheldon at 314-533-9900.