The MTSU Todd Art Gallery hosts an exhibit of work from Nashville poster-making icon Hatch Show Print through March 10, recognizing the Southern print aesthetic and the MTSU/Hatch connection.

Hatch was founded in 1879 by brothers CR and HH Hatch. Their first handbill was produced for Tom Ryman, of Ryman Auditorium fame, who had them create a poster announcing the appearance of Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, a circuit-riding preacher and brother of famed abolitionist Harriet Beecher Stowe.

From that humble beginning, the business took off as Hatch’s work became more widely recognized across Nashville and the South. Their posters advertised everything from sporting events to circuses and operas, leading potential Hatch patrons towards a greater understanding of posters as promotional tools. In fact, to attract further business the Hatches often claimed, “Advertising without posters is like fishing without worms.”

A relationship with the radio program the Grand Ole Opry followed, and over the years numerous limited-edition posters have been created for events held at the Ryman and elsewhere. Today’s work is produced by the same letterpress techniques used by the Hatch brothers, with hand-carved blocks laid out in reverse on plates, inked, and run through antique letterpress machines by hand.

The Last Musician by Jim Sherraden

Over the years Hatch Show Print has expanded its reach across the collective music industry. Not only has it done work for a number of past and contemporary country performers, but also a wide range of work for rock, alternative and other performers. Additionally, Hatch Show Print’s Haley Gallery showcases Hatch Master Printer Jim Sherraden’s monoprints—contemporary interpretations and celebrations of the classic wood blocks of Hatch Show Print.

The MTSU exhibit will host a retrospective of Hatch work while also presenting the individual work of Sherraden, Hatch artist Heather Moulder and MTSU print professor emeritus Christie Nuell; Sherraden and Moulder were students during Nuell’s first and final year as MTSU professor.

All Todd Art Gallery exhibits, receptions, and other related events are open to the public. For more information, contact eric.snyder@mtsu.edu or (615) 898-5532.

Leon’s Kitchen by Christie Nuell