PRESS RELEASE: Art Exhibit – Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition” Brought to Life by Annapolis Students

Friends of Annapolis Symphony Orchestra and Art Farm present

an extraordinary fusion of art and music

“Pictures at an Exhibition”

An Art Exhibit Featuring Works From APEX Arts and ArtFarm Studios Students Reflecting Themes from Modest Mussorgsky’s Classical Music Masterpiece, “Pictures at an Exhibition”

January 8-February 2, 2025

(Annapolis, Maryland) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Annapolis, MD – January 2025

In an extraordinary fusion of art and music, Friends of Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, Anne Arundel County Public Schools APEX Arts and ArtFarm Studios have partnered to create a unique visual experience for the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra’s (ASO) upcoming performance of Modest Mussorgsky’s celebrated composition, Pictures at an Exhibition.

This creative initiative was inspired by Mussorgsky’s 1874 piano suite. Pictures at an Exhibition begins with a steadily moving Promenade (walking section) in which Mussorgsky depicts himself roving through an exhibition of the recently deceased Viktor Hartmann’s visual artworks in a museum. The varied paintings range from baby chicks to a menacing fairytale witch, the solemness of catacombs, and the great gates of Kiev. Students from APEX Arts and ArtFarm Studios listened to Mussorgsky’s evocative music and translated its emotional and visual energy into stunning original mixed media artworks.

Alison Harbaugh of ArtFarm studios coordinated the student artworks. She assigned each student a specific movement from Pictures at an Exhibition, without informing the students about the title of the movement, or referring to Hartmann’s works. Students made a list of the feelings the music evoked, and created preliminary sketches based on the words, sounds, and feelings. They then created a final piece on wood panels. Incredibly, the student pieces often reflect the original context of Hartmann’s work and Mussorgky’s composition.

The student artworks will be displayed at the Michael E. Busch Annapolis Library at 1410 West Street in Annapolis through January 28, 2025 and at Maryland Hall from January 29-February 8, 2025. The works will also be presented in a program booklet for the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Pictures at an Exhibition concerts at Maryland Hall January 31 and February 1, 2025, and Music Center at Strathmore February 2, 2025. Select artworks for each movement in the Pictures at an Exhibition symphony will be projected in the Maryland Hall auditorium while the orchestra plays. 

The project was made possible through a mini grant from Whole Lotta Love, a charitable effort led by Gemma Love, an Annapolis High School senior. All Whole Lotta Love giving is coordinated by students, for students. Ann Tran and Marguerite Cole also made the project possible through generous donations that paid for art materials and instruction.

“This project showcases the power of creative collaboration,” said Alison Habraugh, ArtFarm Studios project lead. “It’s about bringing two art forms together to spark imagination and create something entirely new.” 

“Friends of Annapolis Symphony Orchestra has long been committed to uplifting art and arts education through our work in the community, especially with Annapolis Symphony Academy,” said Ann Tran, FASO Board President. “We found a wonderful collaborative partner with Art Farm and APEX Arts in this exhibition that pairs the vivid mastery of Victor Hartmann’s visual art to Modest Mussorgsky’s timeless classical music, a piece that remains extraordinarily popular today, 150 years after it was composed.”

“I am very proud to offer a mini grant to support this project,” said Gemma Love, founder of Whole Lotta Love. “As a student at Annapolis High School who has always loved and practiced both visual and instrumental arts, I appreciate this thrilling opportunity for AACPS and ArtFarm Studio students to experience both. Growing a love and affinity for the arts starts at the youngest ages and includes workshops exactly like this collaboration, which fosters exposure to the beauty of classical music, and importantly, stirs imagination and ignites self confidence.”

Exhibit Details

In the weeks leading up to the performance, the artistic exhibition will be on display in public spaces, providing the community with an opportunity to experience the harmonious blend of music and art in an innovative and accessible way and ensuring the community can experience the students’ artistic interpretations before the orchestral performance.

• January 8-28, 2025 Michael E. Busch Annapolis Library at 1410 West Street, Annapolis, Maryland
• January 29-February 8, 2025 Maryland Hall, 801 Chase Street, Annapolis, Maryland

Concert Details

The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra will perform Pictures at an Exhibition, with guest artist violinist Netanel Draiblate in their third Masterworks concert of the season:

• January 31-February 1, 2025 at 7:30 PM at Maryland Hall. Tickets available by clicking here.
• February 2, 2025 at 3:00 PM at Music Center at Strathmore. Tickets available by clicking here.

About the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra

The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, led by Music Director José-Luis Novo, comprises 70 professional musicians performing symphonic music for audiences of all ages. The mission of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra is to inspire, educate, and enrich lives near and far by creating extraordinary musical experiences with uncompromising artistic excellence. As we celebrate our 63rd year in Annapolis, we are more intent than ever on making music matter. The non-profit organization provides educational programs through its partnerships with local schools and various other community outreach efforts. For more information about the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, visit the website annapolissymphony.org 

Friends of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra (FASO), is an independent volunteer organization that organizes events and raises funds for the educational programs of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra. FASO recently won a prestigious award from the League of American Orchestras for their handmade wooden ornaments and orchestra-centric decoration of the 2023 downtown Annapolis Christmas tree.

About Art Farm

ArtFarm Studios is a vibrant 3,200-square-foot creative space located in the heart of the Design District in Annapolis, Maryland. Designed to inspire creativity and foster community connections, ArtFarm features an open space, a large gallery wall, two classrooms, and a stage—making it the perfect hub for arts education, creative gatherings, and unique events. Co-owners Alison Harbaugh and Darin Gilliam envisioned ArtFarm as a place where artistic innovation thrives and the Annapolis community comes together to celebrate creativity. Their passion and commitment have made ArtFarm a cornerstone of the local arts scene. Discover the latest classes, events, and opportunities to create by visiting artfarmannapolis.com.

About Apex Arts

Apex Arts teaches visual arts students the value of using art as a platform for expression, and emphasizes a creative process that builds work consistency and artistic confidence. Our students are empowered to harness their creativity and let it guide their journey through personal and artistic growth. They’re exposed to new media, ranging from digital to traditional formats, and are encouraged to stretch their creative minds while being challenged individually and collaboratively. In addition to building their artistic and problem-solving abilities, students are also given the opportunity to showcase their work publicly.

About Whole Lotta Love

Whole Lotta Love is a charitable organization founded and managed by Gemma Love, a student at Annapolis High School. Whole Lotta Love organizes and executes student-led projects that support other students. Signature giving projects have included Annapolis Angel Tree, book drives to support Native American reservation schools,  coat and cold weather drives for Annapolis area students, and period products for Annapolis High School, Bates Middle School and Annapolis Middle School. More information is available at facebook.com/shareawholelottalove/

Media Contact: Diana Love, Annapolis Symphony Orchestra Director of Marketing and Communications

Email: DLove@annapolissymphony.org

Phone: 410-267-363

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IMAGES available for use by the press, credit Alison Harbaugh, Sugar Farm Productions: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1rla6GTUgIHAufIM0aRMPxWh2FPzA6ex-?usp=sharing