Exhibits
Lasting Impressions
The Legacy of Sauk Prairie's Homespun Photographers
Opening August 2017
From F.S. Eberhart, official photographer of the construction of the Prairie du Sac Dam in 1911, to pioneer farmer C.C. Steuber, Sauk Prairie has a rich history of amateur photographers eager to bring the region's natural and cultural delights into focus. In a look through the lens of vernacular photography then and now, the Tripp's newest Mueller Gallery exhibit unites Sauk Prairie's Progressive era autodidacts with contemporary self-taught photographers Jonathan Cody, Charlie Lemm, and Sandy Opitz in a display that's certain to surprise, give pause, and germinate.
The Legacy of Sauk Prairie's Homespun Photographers
Opening August 2017
From F.S. Eberhart, official photographer of the construction of the Prairie du Sac Dam in 1911, to pioneer farmer C.C. Steuber, Sauk Prairie has a rich history of amateur photographers eager to bring the region's natural and cultural delights into focus. In a look through the lens of vernacular photography then and now, the Tripp's newest Mueller Gallery exhibit unites Sauk Prairie's Progressive era autodidacts with contemporary self-taught photographers Jonathan Cody, Charlie Lemm, and Sandy Opitz in a display that's certain to surprise, give pause, and germinate.
Events
Back in Black
Saturday October 21
Saturday, October 21, the Tripp Heritage Museum brings to Prairie’s Water Street “Back in Black”—a look at the timeline of photography from still image, to Magic Lantern, to silent film backed by a hauntingly beautiful all-black fashion show from the Tripp’s rarest of textiles, set amongst candlelight and intrigue. Just in time for Halloween.
The evening kicks off at 7:00 p.m. with a gallery exhibition opening. Guests will find themselves navigating a floating display of vintage textiles in the candlelit Mueller Gallery as they explore Sauk Prairie through the photography of area amateur photographers Jonathan Cody, Charlie Lemm, and Sandy Opitz. The exhibition also features a hands-on display and artifacts highlighting the history of photography—from the Kodak Brownie to heartbreaking images captured right before area soldiers left for battle in the Civil War.
At 7:30 p.m., area historian Verlyn Mueller will use the Tripp’s magic lanterns and rare archival slides to share one of the earliest forms of moving pictures. A unique treat, these 1850s lanterns were owned by Prairie du Sac’s John Wright as he traveled the country, thrilling audiences with the latest technology of the day.
Following the slide show, a short silent film will be shown backed by a “live orchestra” of Theremin and digital composition inspired by the work of H.P. Lovecraft. Audience members will have a chance to try their own hand at the Theremin, an unusual musical instrument from the 1920s often found in horror film soundtracks. Vintage candies, Cracker Jacks, beer, pop, and wine will be available to purchase throughout the evening at the J.S. Tripp Concession Stand.
This free admission event is supported by a grant from the Sauk County UW-Extension, Arts, and Culture Committee, and the Wisconsin ArtsBoard, with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts. Questions? Email Jack at spahs@frontier.com or call 608.644.8444.
The party starts at 7:00 PM!
Saturday with Santa
Calling all children and the young at heart! Santa Claus will be visiting the Tripp Museum's vintage toy workshop from 10 AM to 2 PM on Saturday, December 2, to hear your dearest Christmas wishes. Bring your camera or smart phone to snap a photograph of your child with Santa. Enjoy festive music and displays inside the elegant Tripp Heritage Museum. All young visitors will receive a little goodie bag to take home, just like the old days!
This free community event is part of the Sauk Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce "Holly Jolly" Christmas promotion.
Tripp Heritage Museum
565 Water Street, Prairie du Sac, WI 53578
www.saukprairiehistory.org
608.644.8444
Plan your Event
@ the Tripp Museum
Rent the historic Tripp Heritage Museum for a business meeting, informal gathering, small celebration, or memorial service.
The Tripp offers Wi-Fi, Smart Board presentation technology, hospitality center with coffee urns, sink, mini-refrigerator and more.
Contact Jack Berndt, Museum Manager @ (608) 644-8444.
Saturday October 21
Saturday, October 21, the Tripp Heritage Museum brings to Prairie’s Water Street “Back in Black”—a look at the timeline of photography from still image, to Magic Lantern, to silent film backed by a hauntingly beautiful all-black fashion show from the Tripp’s rarest of textiles, set amongst candlelight and intrigue. Just in time for Halloween.
The evening kicks off at 7:00 p.m. with a gallery exhibition opening. Guests will find themselves navigating a floating display of vintage textiles in the candlelit Mueller Gallery as they explore Sauk Prairie through the photography of area amateur photographers Jonathan Cody, Charlie Lemm, and Sandy Opitz. The exhibition also features a hands-on display and artifacts highlighting the history of photography—from the Kodak Brownie to heartbreaking images captured right before area soldiers left for battle in the Civil War.
At 7:30 p.m., area historian Verlyn Mueller will use the Tripp’s magic lanterns and rare archival slides to share one of the earliest forms of moving pictures. A unique treat, these 1850s lanterns were owned by Prairie du Sac’s John Wright as he traveled the country, thrilling audiences with the latest technology of the day.
Following the slide show, a short silent film will be shown backed by a “live orchestra” of Theremin and digital composition inspired by the work of H.P. Lovecraft. Audience members will have a chance to try their own hand at the Theremin, an unusual musical instrument from the 1920s often found in horror film soundtracks. Vintage candies, Cracker Jacks, beer, pop, and wine will be available to purchase throughout the evening at the J.S. Tripp Concession Stand.
This free admission event is supported by a grant from the Sauk County UW-Extension, Arts, and Culture Committee, and the Wisconsin ArtsBoard, with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts. Questions? Email Jack at spahs@frontier.com or call 608.644.8444.
The party starts at 7:00 PM!
Saturday with Santa
Calling all children and the young at heart! Santa Claus will be visiting the Tripp Museum's vintage toy workshop from 10 AM to 2 PM on Saturday, December 2, to hear your dearest Christmas wishes. Bring your camera or smart phone to snap a photograph of your child with Santa. Enjoy festive music and displays inside the elegant Tripp Heritage Museum. All young visitors will receive a little goodie bag to take home, just like the old days!
This free community event is part of the Sauk Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce "Holly Jolly" Christmas promotion.
Tripp Heritage Museum
565 Water Street, Prairie du Sac, WI 53578
www.saukprairiehistory.org
608.644.8444
Plan your Event
@ the Tripp Museum
Rent the historic Tripp Heritage Museum for a business meeting, informal gathering, small celebration, or memorial service.
The Tripp offers Wi-Fi, Smart Board presentation technology, hospitality center with coffee urns, sink, mini-refrigerator and more.
Contact Jack Berndt, Museum Manager @ (608) 644-8444.
