Future Exhibition

Sound Formations: Artist, Musician, Instrument Maker

Member Preview: Saturday, April 5, 5-6 pm
Public Opening: Saturday, April 5, 6-9 pm
Art Walks, 6-9 pm: April 5, May 3, June 7, July 5
Sound Formations LIVE: May 3, 4-9 pm

Sound Formations is a group exhibition showcasing beautifully handcrafted musical instruments that can also be appreciated as works of art. Claremont has a rich and unique history of musicians and instrument makers, and local artists continue to create instruments in their workshops and studios. The exhibition is generously sponsored by Skapik Law Group, with additional support provided by the Chouinard Foundation and RK Diversified Entertainment.

The Exhibition

Sound Formations, guest curated by Michael Kotzen and Martin Maudal, focuses on instruments and their makers. The instrument is a bridge between the hand of the maker and the hand of the musician, where the harmony of material, body and acoustics forms stunning visual designs.

Claremont has made a significant impact on the music world and this exhibition also recognizes the important contributions of resident musicians and important landmarks, including the Folk Music Center, established by Charles and Dorothy Chase in 1958, and the Golden Ring music café which opened in 1965. For many years, Claremont’s live music culture thrived, largely due to the annual Folk Festival and the numerous live music venues in the area.

In the online arts magazine “What the Butler Saw,” James Scarborough interviews co-curators Michael Kotzen and Martin Maudal. Read the email conversation here.

The Artists

The exhibition will include the works of Henry Barnes, Richard Barnes, Charles Chase, Otto D’Ambrosio, David Dart, Kirk Delman, Kris Erickson, Pete Escovedo, Steve Goode, Michael Kotzen, Martin Maudal, Father Bill Moore, Brian Ransom, Elizabeth Redd, Jom Rivers, Victoria Rosas, Warren Shingleton, Dave Tourje, and Larry White.

The Concert

In conjunction with the exhibition, a free public concert will be held on the Museum lawn, Saturday, May 3, 4-9 p.m. “Sound Formations LIVE” will offer the rare opportunity to experience these works of art through the talents of local musicians and instrument-makers. Join us for this family-friendly free music event with pizza and craft beers available for purchase.

Sound Formations, generously sponsored by Skapik Law Group, with additional support provided by the Chouinard Foundation and RK Diversified Entertainment, will remain on view through July 13, 2025.

Gallery

Richard Barnes, detail of La Mestiza (Jarana tercera in a Baroque style), 2014. Spanish cedar, ebony, snakewood, spruce, bone, ivory (from a 19th century wedding fan), nickel silver, cherry, maple veneer, pultruded graphite and aerospace-grade internal components. On loan from the collection of Milo Gonzales. Photo by Richard Barnes.
Richard Barnes, detail of La Mestiza (Jarana tercera in a Baroque style), 2014. Spanish cedar, ebony, snakewood, spruce, bone, ivory (from a 19th century wedding fan), nickel silver, cherry, maple veneer, pultruded graphite and aerospace-grade internal components. On loan from the collection of Milo Gonzales. Photo by Richard Barnes.
David Dart, Lady Steel (Bowlback steel guitar), 2015. Photo by David Dart.
Otto D’Ambrosio shapes the neck of a guitar in his workshop. Photo by Thea Whitaker
David Dart, Lady Steel (Bowlback steel guitar), 2015. Photo by David Dart.
Michael Kotzen and Kirk Delman, Untitled (Cajon drum), 2008. Purpleheart, yellowheart, birch, maple & ebony woods. Photo by CJ Jilek
Michael Kotzen and Kirk Delman, Untitled (Cajon drum) detail, 2008. Purpleheart, yellowheart, birch, maple & ebony woods. Photo by CJ Jilek
Martin Maudal, The Bullfrog 12 (A hybrid electric 12-string resonator guitar), 2024. California bay laurel, koa, bloodwood & ebony woods, metal. Photo by Martin Maudal
Warren Shingleton works on a viola in his studio. Photo by Thea Whitaker.
Warren Shingleton works on a viola in his studio. Photo by Thea Whitaker