Devos Art Museum:The Art of the Guitar Exhibit

As a music enthusiast, my recreation often finds itself blending with my professional life. While visiting Michigan's Upper Peninsula for a wedding, I found myself at the Devos Art Museum, located at Northern Michigan University in Marquette.

This particular exhibition focused not so much on the history of the guitar, but on past and present luthier craft. Greeted by the recent Gibson Elvis and and B.B. King Tribute Guitars, one immediately assumes that this exhibit is going to be fairly mainstream. Passing these models, however, I found a variety of work from master luthiers all over the United States.

In glass were several more delicate guitars, including the recent work of Larry Robinson for Santa Cruz Guitar Company. His Nouveau 00 guitar is inspired by the desire to create an Art Nouveau commemorative piece.

One less ornate, but just as fascinating guitar was Howard Klepper's Nakyd Laydie (2007) made from European spruce, ebony bois d'rose, bloodwood and redwood burl. This piece is a 12-fret jumbo-size 17" guitar with multiple sound ports, and a bottom access panel. According to information from Klepper, you must be 18 or over to play this guitar.

Other more well-known works were on display, including the Paul Reed Smith PRS McCarty (2007). More obscure, but of the upmost quality was a 2007 six-string acoustic by Sven Gonstead, featuring a laminated Baltic birch tail-block to eliminate problems with cracking near the output jack.

Other luthiers with work on display are Richard Mermer (Nova Nylon Jazz Guitar, 2007), Kathy Wingert, Shelley Park, Jake Robinson, Gerald Sheppard, Jimmi Wingert, Weber Acoustic Instruments, Rick Turner, and David Flammang. The Art of the Guitar will be on display at the Devos Art Museum until October 14th, 2007.