‘Medieval to Metal’: Stamford museum strikes a chord with guitar exhibit.

Visitors to the Stamford Museum & Nature Center can explore the design history and artistry of the guitar’s evolution, from the most rudimentary stringed instruments to today’s technologically enhanced models, in “Medieval To Metal: The Art & Evolution of The Guitar,” which runs Thursday, Feb. 21, through Wednesday, May 22.

Developed by The National Guitar Museum in New York, the exhibit features 40 objects, ranging from an intricately inlaid Moorish oud and six-footlong Renaissance theorbo, to the modern Italian design of the Eko and transparent acrylic body of California’s BC Rich guitars.

“It’s hard to find anyone who hasn’t been affected by the guitar, whether as players or just fans of all types of music,” H.P. Newquist, executive director of the National Guitar Museum, said in a news release from the Stamford museum. “And while this may be apocryphal, it’s a widely held belief that the two most recognizable man-made shapes on the planet are those of the Coca-Cola bottle and the electric guitar.

“Over the past several years, interest in the guitar as an icon has grown significantly,” Newquist added. “The guitar has been a signature element of world culture for more than 500 years; now visitors can explore the design history and artistry that has played a major role in the guitar’s evolution.”

“Medieval To Metal” includes life-size photorealistic illustrations of historically important guitar designs from noted artist Gerard Huerta, and 20 photographs of acclaimed musicians and their guitars from Neil Zlozower, one of the world's premier concert photographers.

The exhibit programming, in the Bendel Museum Galleries, will include a free opening reception for the public on Thursday, Feb 21, from 5 to 7 p.m. Related programming:

Jay & Lee Flamenco Guitar Concert in the Farmhouse takes place Thursday

Feb 21, 7-9 p.m. Members $60, nonmembers $70, which includes concert, refreshments and optional Flamenco dance lessons.

Bluegrass Evening with The Leathermen takes place Thursday, March 14, 6-8 p.m. Members $35, non-members $40, which includes concert and light refreshments.

Stamford Museum & Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford. 203-977-6521, email: info@stamfordmuseum.org

Stamford Museum & Nature Center / Contributed photo The Stamford Museum & Nature Center’s exhibit “Medieval To Metal: The Art & Evolution of The Guitar” runs Thursday, Feb. 21, through Wednesday, May 22.