CLMA to Showcase the Art of Handcrafted Musical Instruments
For Immediate Release
March 20, 2025
Press Contact: Catherine McIntosh
909 626-1386, cell 713 829-9338
April 5 – July 13, 2025
Claremont Lewis Museum of Art, 200 W. First St., Claremont, CA
Opening Reception: Saturday, April 5, 6-9 pm
The Claremont Lewis Museum of Art exhibition Sound Formations: Artist, Musician, Instrument Maker will showcase 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, catering to musicians who value handcrafted pieces over mass-produced items.
The exhibition will open with a reception on Saturday, April 5 from 6-9 p.m. featuring music by Elizabeth Hangan with Phillip Charles, Glenn Richardson, and Cougar Estrada. Sound Formations, generously sponsored by Skapik Law Group, with additional support provided by the Chouinard Foundation, will remain on view through July 13, 2025.
As an extension of the exhibition, “Sound Formations LIVE,” a free public concert will be held on the Museum lawn on Saturday, May 3, 4-9 p.m.
Beginning in April, the Museum will welcome visitors with new extended hours. CLMA will be open Thursday and Saturday 12-4 p.m. Friday hours will extend into the evening until 7 p.m. with free admission. On Sunday morning, the galleries will open at 10 a.m. to greet visitors from the Farmer’s Market. The Museum is located in the historic Claremont Depot at 200 W. First Street next to the Metrolink Station. For more information visit clmoa.org.
The Exhibition
Sound Formations, guest curated by Mike 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.
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, Mike Kotzen, Martin Maudal, Father Bill Moore, Brian Ransom, Elizabeth Redd, Jom Rivers, Victoria Rosas, Warren Shingleton, Dave Tourje, and Larry White.
The Concert
The Claremont Lewis Museum of Art will present “Sound Formations LIVE,” a free public concert on the Museum lawn, Saturday, May 3, 4-9 p.m. The program is an extension of Sound Formations: Artist, Musician, Instrument Maker, an exhibition of musical instruments that highlights the synergy between hand-crafted instruments and the sounds they create.
“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.
Direct link to the web page: https://clmoa.org/exhibit/sound-formations