BRISTOL, Tenn.-Va.. (March 19, 2024) – The Birthplace of Country Music Museum invites the public to explore the rich heritage and ongoing contributions of Hatch Show Print, one of America’s most iconic letterpress poster and design shops, with Director and Print Shop Manager Celene Aubrey. The event is part of the museum’s Speaker Sessions series and will be held in person at the museum and virtually via YouTube at 7 p.m. ET, April 9. In-person attendees can also enjoy a pre-program, curator-led tour of the museum’s current special exhibit A Cardboard History of Blue Ridge Music at 6:15 p.m., which features several historic Hatch Show Print posters.
Founded in 1879, Hatch Show Print has been an integral part of American visual culture, producing timeless posters and billboards that have advertised everything from country music legends to vaudeville acts. Celene Aubry will guide attendees through the shop’s fascinating journey, highlighting its evolution alongside changes in technology, communication arts, and popular entertainment.
“During this Speaker Session, our guests can also look forward to an exclusive unveiling of a ‘surprise’ poster,” said museum Head Curator Dr. Rene Rodgers. “This is will add an element of excitement to what promises to be an already engaging evening.”
In 2019 Celene Aubry became the first woman in its 100+ year history to run the operations at Hatch Show Print, having joined the staff in 2012 under former Hatch Master Printer Jim Sherraden. While the business thrives under her leadership as a letterpress, expanded programming includes a visiting artist program, a gallery showcasing print-centric art, and hands-on tours and workshops from the education space.
Hatch Show Print is recognized around the world for its 19th and 20th century posters and billboards advertising the stars of country music, rock ‘n’ roll, jazz, carnivals, circuses, and variety shows. This tradition continues today with its limited-edition prints and posters for shows and artists appearing live in the 21st century, as well as prints, cards, gifts and more designed by the shop’s staff who draw inspiration from the vast collection of wood and metal type and hand-carved print blocks created in the shop.
There is no cost to attend monthly Speaker Sessions at the museum, and those who cannot be present in person may view online via WBCM Radio Bristol’s YouTube channel. For more information about monthly Speaker Sessions and other events, visit the Events page at BirthplaceOfCountryMusic.org.