Exhibition at Chillicothe showcases handmade musical instruments

From the Missouri river to the Mississippi, the Ozarks to the northern plains, old-time music is intricately woven into the cultural fabric of the Show-Me State. Accordingly, the Missouri Arts Council (MAC) and the Missouri Folk Arts Program (MFAP) have always showcased the state’s master musicians and their old-time tunes and dances.

However, the exhibition Work is Art and Art is Work: The Art of Hand-crafted Instruments marks the first time Missourians have the opportunity to view one of the most integral art forms associated with old-time music: the visual artistry of luthiery. Luthiery entails the intricate carving and crafting of fiddles, guitars, mandolins, banjos, and dulcimers.

Visitors can take in this unique, behind-the-scenes look at musicianship from March 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to April 30, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The exhibition features hand-crafted musical instruments, with a particular focus on the rich tradition of luthiers in Missouri.

The state’s old-time music heritage originated with trappers, traders and settlers who brought the light-weight fiddle to the region in the late 1700s. Today, more than twenty notable luthiers carry on the legacy by practicing their art in Missouri. Six have been recognized in Missouri’s Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program, and their work is featured in this exhibit.

Work is Art

The exhibit will be housed at the Livingston County Library, 2nd floor, in Chillicothe. It will be open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The exhibit is free of charge. Special events will be held on Thursday March 27, from 5 to 7 p.m. Deborah Bailey, State Curator of the Exhibit will present an informative talk and a live performance of the Crossroad Bluegrass Band will take place. On Thursday April 10, from 5 to 7 p.m., Dr. Howard Marshall, a retired professor from the University of Missouri at Columbia will share his lifelong research and passion about music and handmade instruments. His presentation will be followed by a jam session. Grab your instrument and come on down for this event.

On Thursday April 24, from 5 to 7 p.m. John Wynn and the South Wynns will be performing. Mr. Wynn also makes his own instruments and his entire family will be performing. Come and sing along! And just two days later, April 26, will be the downtown Chillicothe STRUM & STROLL from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This downtown arts and music festival will feature live entertainment as well as include the exhibit at the library. For more information call the Chillicothe Area Arts Council at 660-646-1173.

includes hand-crafted instruments, including a "walking cane" dulcimer, mandolin, and "doghouse" bass fiddle, as well as 15 luthier tools. Viewers will also enjoy candid portraits of the luthiers in their work spaces — studios, shops and porches in the Missouri settings that foster these remarkable artists.