University to host Newel post exhibition

Visually stunning newel posts of the Victorian era American Eastlake style, Queen Anne style, and other styles from Jay W. Christopher’s private collection will debut to the public Friday, Aug. 26, at 7 p.m. in the Wehling and McGill Galleries at the Brauer Museum of Art.

In many cases originally part of historic 20th-century homes, these beautifully restored newel posts were co-curated by Erika Lusthoff ’07, Christopher collection curator, and Rolf Achilles, adjunct associate professor of art history at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and curator of the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows in Chicago.

“Often superb examples of the woodcarvers’ arts, newel posts are little known examples of the industrialization of craft ushering in the modern era,” said Achilles.

“While some posts were hand carved, some had applied ornamentation, and others were minimally turned wood shafts and simply assembled panels,” said Gregg Hertzlieb, museum director/curator. “With more than 80 newels on display, the Brauer Museum of Art will offer plenty of variety.”

On Wednesday, Sept. 7, at 7 p.m. Rolf Achilles will also host a Coffee Hour program at the museum, where he discusses various aspects of the exhibition and history of newel posts.

More information about the Brauer Museum of Art is available online at valpo.edu/artmuseum.

Summer museum hours are Tuesday-Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Mondays). Beginning Aug. 22, the museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday during the academic year. Admission to the museum and all events is free. Group tours may be arranged by calling (219) 465-7926.