A decade ago, the windowless basement in the Music Library, with its plain concrete walls, offered little inspiration to the student musicians who frequented the space. Music Library Services Manager Karen Snively (’95) wanted to change that.
During the 2014-15 academic year, JMU Libraries used philanthropic funding to launch the Innovative Initiatives grants program, supporting special projects led by library employees. Snively quickly took advantage of the opportunity, submitting a proposal, with the help of former Music Librarian Brian Cockburn, for funds to bring artwork into the space. The proposal was accepted, and The little Gallery Underground launched its first exhibit, Music Without Sound, in September 2015. The libraries have supported the gallery ever since.
The gallery is described as “a place for music visualized.” Snively interprets this as a bridge between music and visual art. “So much music has been inspired by visual art, and much visual art has been inspired by music,” she said. “Sometimes the connection is obvious; other times, it’s more abstract. As with all music and art, the participants bring their own interpretation.”
Music and visual art “seem to coexist naturally,” she said. “Each form is compelling on its own, but when combined, they can create a more enriching experience for participants.”
Over the years, the work showcased in The little Gallery Underground has come from multiple sources, from JMU faculty to students, alumni and community members. The gallery typically hosts one or two exhibits a semester. Typically, the artists determine a theme, and from there the curation of the exhibit begins. “When selecting pieces,” Snively said, “I aim for a wide range of styles — 3D work, paintings, photographs, fiber arts and more.”
The current exhibit, Experiencing Analysis: New Perspectives, showcases the work of Dr. Judith Ofcarcik’s graduate music theory seminar. Students were tasked with analyzing a piece of music in a new and creative way. The pieces span from an interactive video to a multicourse meal. “The projects are a response to the math- and science-focused visualization traditionally used in the field, seeking to engage both professional musicians and music lovers more deeply with the analyses and the music that inspired them,” Snively said. She hopes visitors leave feeling encouraged to explore their creative sides.
“Since its opening, the gallery has fostered collaboration across disciplines, highlighted existing partnerships and welcomed traveling exhibits,” Snively shared. “Faculty and teachers have even built class projects specifically for the space. It has also become a space where students and community members can learn how to put together an exhibit in an intimate, approachable setting. ... All of this is more than I ever could have imagined.”
The gallery is open during the Music Library’s normal hours and can be found in Room B59. For more information on events and exhibits, visit its Facebook page.
