THE LPs
The exhibit of jazz albums has been donated by friends of jazz, specifically those people who recognized the importance of the museum project. The LP format was available in large quantities for only about 40 years (1949–1989). While the LP is still available, it is not the popular medium for today's music fans. The 3,000+ jazz LPs in the museum serve as a visual history. The front of each album cover, different and unique in its own way, is a work of art that reveals something about the era in which it and the music was produced. The back cover contains the history of the album: the date, names of composers and arrangers for the album, as well as personnel and other important information. Visitors have the opportunity to sit down with the LPs and immerse themselves in the valuable history found on each jazz album. But, perhaps most importantly, the covers show the photographs of the performers and reveal images that might otherwise be forgotten.
THE PLAYBACK & MUSIC MACHINES
Sophisticated technology and jazz evolved at the same time. By the early 1900s, machinery finally existed that allowed people to listen to recorded musical performances at home. When people heard the first jazz recordings in 1917, jazz immediately outsold all other forms of music. The rapid evolution of the art form was directly related to the fact that people finally had the equipment to listen to performances in their own homes. The rapid evolution of machinery such as record players, radios, and tape players was due to the popularity of, and demand for, access to jazz. The success of one impacted the success of the other in the early years. This exhibit contains a variety of equipment dating from 1905 to the present...the technology which was used for us to hear our jazz music.
THE PORTRAITS
Pat Pierce, a local Sherman artist, was selected to paint the museum’s showcased trumpeters. Pat has not only captured the essence of some of the most famous American trumpet players, but she has given the 1924 ballroom an unrivaled ambiance. To achieve the artistic illustrations, she used acrylic and oil paints, charcoal, and pastels on wood. Pat has an extensive art background. Obtaining a B.S. at Texas A & M at Kingsville, Pat has taught at both the public school level as well as on the adjunct faculty at Grayson County College. She teaches group art lessons at her Art by Design studio. Pat has been a judge in several art groups in Texas and Oklahoma and has won numerous awards, including Best of Show. She is an established portraiture artist and has permanent collections at Grayson County College, Austin College, and Grayson Vita Culture Center. Pat and her husband, Jack, co-own a business combining stained glass design and construction, painting, and painting classes.
"Painting is, for me, a vehicle for taking the ordinary and showing it to others in an extraordinary way. I paint people and things I know and love, usually with strong light and warm color. Design is my forte, in stained glass work, painting, and teaching. I have painted since childhood and taught studio and college extension classes for many years. Art truly is my connection with my life and with others."
Sherman Jazz Museum 201 E. Lamar Street, Sherman, TX 75090
