University Library at IUPUI to host ‘Jazz Age in Paris’By Lyn Mettler | |
 Flanner
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“America is my country, but Paris is my hometown,” said American writer Gertrude Stein. And so it was for many Americans and Hoosiers in the early 1900s, especially talented African-American artists, musicians and performers who sought the spotlight, but
who were cast in the shadows of segregation in the United States. Thus began the Jazz Age in Paris.
On Friday, Sept. 22, from 4-6 p.m., the IUPUI University Library, 755 W. Michigan St., Indianapolis, will open a national traveling exhibition that will highlight some of the most influential entertainers and artists of the time. The exhibition is free an d runs through Nov. 2. A wide range of programs at University Library that reflect this creative age in history, including performances by jazz musician and IUPUI professor, Jack Gilfoy, and discussions on topics such as Langston Hughes and the artists of the Harlem Renaissanc e, are also planned. “In America, African Americans could not stay in the hotels where they entertained, nor travel with first class accommodations,” said Marie Wright, the exhibition project director. “They were also forced to play to segregated audiences. In Paris they did not face these obstacles.” Three of these individuals who moved to Paris once called Indianapolis their hometown. Hale Woodruff, painter and graduate of Herron School of Art, headed overseas in 1927 at the age of 27 to study at the Academie Scandinave and the Academie Moderne. During his stay, he served as a foreign correspondent for the Indianapolis Star, sending back illustrated articles about the art scene in Paris. Woodruff’s most famous mural, The Amistad Mutiny, remains on the wall of the Talladega College Savery Library. Indianapolis Star protégée Janet Flanner headed off to Paris at the age of 30 to report and write on the Parisian artistic scene for The New Yorker, sending back a semi-monthly “Letter from Paris.” Flanner remained in Paris for nea rly 50 years where she wrote numerous books including An American in Paris. Perhaps the best known Indianapolis artist of the time was Noble Sissle, a musician, playwright and composer who briefly attended both DePauw and Butler universities and wrote sev eral “yells” for Butler and the school cheer song, “Butler Will Shine Tonight.” Sissle eventually paired with pianist and composer Eubie Blake and the two began writing songs and musicals, including Shuffle Along which included the song “I’m Just Wild Ab out Harry.” Schedule of events at: http://www.ulib.iupui.edu/jazzage/html/events.html |
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Publication date: 15 September 2000
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