{"id":950,"date":"2026-02-13T16:22:05","date_gmt":"2026-02-13T16:22:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/?p=950"},"modified":"2026-04-02T20:24:25","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T20:24:25","slug":"curator-qa-with-sarah-suhadolnik","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/2026\/02\/13\/curator-qa-with-sarah-suhadolnik\/","title":{"rendered":"Curator Q&amp;A with Sarah Suhadolnik"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/exhibit\/orchestrating-community\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Orchestrating Community: The Public Service of Iowa Conductor James Dixon<\/em><\/a>, the spring 2026 exhibition in the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Main Library&nbsp;Gallery<\/a>,&nbsp;provides a glimpse into the life of its namesake through stories and objects from the recently donated James Dixon Papers.&nbsp;From&nbsp;newspaper clippings and photographs to official documents and correspondence,&nbsp;each item on display&nbsp;helps piece together&nbsp;his adventurous international career as an orchestra conductor&nbsp;while celebrating his&nbsp;roles as a longtime director of both the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/music.uiowa.edu\/performance-opportunities\/orchestral-ensembles\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">University of Iowa Symphony Orchestra<\/a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/qcso.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Quad City Symphony Orchestra<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;core&quot;:\n\t\t\t\t{ &quot;image&quot;:\n\t\t\t\t\t{   &quot;imageLoaded&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;initialized&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;lightboxEnabled&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;hideAnimationEnabled&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;preloadInitialized&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;lightboxAnimation&quot;: &quot;zoom&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;imageUploadedSrc&quot;: &quot;https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/files\/2026\/02\/Sarah-Suhadolnik-Headshot-rotated.jpg&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;imageCurrentSrc&quot;: &quot;&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;targetWidth&quot;: &quot;768&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;targetHeight&quot;: &quot;768&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;scaleAttr&quot;: &quot;&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;dialogLabel&quot;: &quot;Enlarged image&quot;\n\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t}\" data-wp-interactive class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" data-wp-effect--setStylesOnResize=\"effects.core.image.setStylesOnResize\" data-wp-effect=\"effects.core.image.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-init=\"effects.core.image.initOriginImage\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.core.image.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"actions.core.image.handleLoad\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/files\/2026\/02\/Sarah-Suhadolnik-Headshot-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Portrait of co-curator Sarah Suhadolnik.\" class=\"wp-image-951\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/files\/2026\/02\/Sarah-Suhadolnik-Headshot-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/files\/2026\/02\/Sarah-Suhadolnik-Headshot-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/files\/2026\/02\/Sarah-Suhadolnik-Headshot-rotated.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge image: Portrait of co-curator Sarah Suhadolnik.\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.core.image.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"context.core.image.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"context.core.image.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Sarah Suhadolnik, exhibition co-curator and assistant professor of instruction at the UI School of Music.<\/em><\/figcaption>        <div data-wp-body=\"\" class=\"wp-lightbox-overlay zoom\"\n            data-wp-bind--role=\"selectors.core.image.roleAttribute\"\n            data-wp-bind--aria-label=\"selectors.core.image.dialogLabel\"\n            data-wp-class--initialized=\"context.core.image.initialized\"\n            data-wp-class--active=\"context.core.image.lightboxEnabled\"\n            data-wp-class--hideAnimationEnabled=\"context.core.image.hideAnimationEnabled\"\n            data-wp-bind--aria-modal=\"selectors.core.image.ariaModal\"\n            data-wp-effect=\"effects.core.image.initLightbox\"\n            data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.core.image.handleKeydown\"\n            data-wp-on--touchstart=\"actions.core.image.handleTouchStart\"\n            data-wp-on--touchmove=\"actions.core.image.handleTouchMove\"\n            data-wp-on--touchend=\"actions.core.image.handleTouchEnd\"\n            data-wp-on--click=\"actions.core.image.hideLightbox\"\n            tabindex=\"-1\"\n            >\n                <button type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Close\" style=\"fill: #000\" class=\"close-button\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.core.image.hideLightbox\">\n                    <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M13 11.8l6.1-6.3-1-1-6.1 6.2-6.1-6.2-1 1 6.1 6.3-6.5 6.7 1 1 6.5-6.6 6.5 6.6 1-1z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n                <\/button>\n                <div class=\"lightbox-image-container\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-medium responsive-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-bind--src=\"context.core.image.imageCurrentSrc\" data-wp-style--object-fit=\"selectors.core.image.lightboxObjectFit\" src=\"\" alt=\"Portrait of co-curator Sarah Suhadolnik.\" class=\"wp-image-951\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Sarah Suhadolnik, exhibition co-curator and assistant professor of instruction at the UI School of Music.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n                <div class=\"lightbox-image-container\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-medium enlarged-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-bind--src=\"selectors.core.image.enlargedImgSrc\" data-wp-style--object-fit=\"selectors.core.image.lightboxObjectFit\" src=\"\" alt=\"Portrait of co-curator Sarah Suhadolnik.\" class=\"wp-image-951\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Sarah Suhadolnik, exhibition co-curator and assistant professor of instruction at the UI School of Music.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n                <div class=\"scrim\" style=\"background-color: #fff\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n        <\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Sarah Suhadolnik, assistant professor of instruction at the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/music.uiowa.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">University of Iowa School of Music<\/a>, co-curated the exhibition with Katie Buehner, director of the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lib.uiowa.edu\/music\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rita Benton Music Library<\/a>.\u00a0The\u00a0broader\u00a0Dixon collection, now part of the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lib.uiowa.edu\/sc\/archives\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">University Archives<\/a>\u00a0at the UI Libraries, provided\u00a0a\u00a0strong foundation\u00a0for\u00a0Suhadolnik\u2019s\u00a0exhibition\u00a0research.\u00a0\u00a0<br><br><strong>Question:\u00a0What inspired you to co-curate this exhibition?\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<br><strong>Answer:<\/strong>\u00a0I always listen with great interest to Katie\u2019s tales\u00a0of how the library collects the\u00a0rare\u00a0items it accumulates. Discussions of\u00a0the work involved in\u00a0acquiring\u00a0the Dixon\u00a0 materials pushed me to\u00a0develop\u00a0my\u00a0graduate seminar \u201cHistories of U.S.\u00a0Orchestras.\u201d When it came time to put the exhibit together, Katie thought my work\u00a0on the course\u00a0would prove useful in developing the\u00a0narrative for the exhibit.\u00a0It did.\u00a0\u00a0<br>\u00a0<br><strong>Q:\u00a0What drew you into the story of James Dixon\u00a0(1928\u20132007)?<\/strong>\u00a0<br><strong>A:\u00a0<\/strong>Accessibility\u00a0of, and advocacy for, public arts experiences are essential talking points in\u00a0orchestral music right now. The\u00a0Maestro gives us a lot to reflect on\u00a0when thinking about both.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dixon\u00a0hints\u00a0in\u00a0some of his public remarks at frustration with the notion that an artist\u00a0interested in a\u00a0sustainable performance career\u00a0must invest a\u00a0certain amount of energy in what we\u00a0today call their \u201cpersonal brand.\u201d\u00a0Even though\u00a0he\u00a0had a New York Philharmonic\u00a0conductor on proverbial speed dial,\u00a0Dixon\u2019s\u00a0aversion to \u201cselling himself,\u201d cultivating\u00a0the\u00a0type of public following\u00a0we now measure with social media accounts\u00a0and the\u00a0like,\u00a0limited\u00a0both the number and prestige of\u00a0performance\u00a0positions available\u00a0to\u00a0him.\u00a0At the same time, orchestras were not an abstract public good to him.\u00a0He\u00a0operated\u00a0at all times with a tangible vision of what his ensembles contributed to\u00a0their respective communities and could speak very clearly and effectively about\u00a0that.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;core&quot;:\n\t\t\t\t{ &quot;image&quot;:\n\t\t\t\t\t{   &quot;imageLoaded&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;initialized&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;lightboxEnabled&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;hideAnimationEnabled&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;preloadInitialized&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;lightboxAnimation&quot;: &quot;zoom&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;imageUploadedSrc&quot;: &quot;https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/files\/2026\/02\/Dixon-conducting-UISO-1950s.png&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;imageCurrentSrc&quot;: &quot;&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;targetWidth&quot;: &quot;1173&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;targetHeight&quot;: &quot;846&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;scaleAttr&quot;: &quot;&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;dialogLabel&quot;: &quot;Enlarged image&quot;\n\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t}\" data-wp-interactive class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"739\" data-wp-effect--setStylesOnResize=\"effects.core.image.setStylesOnResize\" data-wp-effect=\"effects.core.image.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-init=\"effects.core.image.initOriginImage\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.core.image.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"actions.core.image.handleLoad\" src=\"http:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/files\/2026\/02\/Dixon-conducting-UISO-1950s-1024x739.png\" alt=\"James Dixon conducting the University of Iowa Symphony Orchestra during rehearsal in the 1950s.\" class=\"wp-image-953\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/files\/2026\/02\/Dixon-conducting-UISO-1950s-1024x739.png 1024w, https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/files\/2026\/02\/Dixon-conducting-UISO-1950s-300x216.png 300w, https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/files\/2026\/02\/Dixon-conducting-UISO-1950s-768x554.png 768w, https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/files\/2026\/02\/Dixon-conducting-UISO-1950s.png 1173w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge image: James Dixon conducting the University of Iowa Symphony Orchestra during rehearsal in the 1950s.\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.core.image.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"context.core.image.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"context.core.image.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>James Dixon conducting the University of Iowa Symphony Orchestra, 1950s. James Dixon Papers [UA10028], University Archives, University of Iowa Libraries.<\/em><\/figcaption>        <div data-wp-body=\"\" class=\"wp-lightbox-overlay zoom\"\n            data-wp-bind--role=\"selectors.core.image.roleAttribute\"\n            data-wp-bind--aria-label=\"selectors.core.image.dialogLabel\"\n            data-wp-class--initialized=\"context.core.image.initialized\"\n            data-wp-class--active=\"context.core.image.lightboxEnabled\"\n            data-wp-class--hideAnimationEnabled=\"context.core.image.hideAnimationEnabled\"\n            data-wp-bind--aria-modal=\"selectors.core.image.ariaModal\"\n            data-wp-effect=\"effects.core.image.initLightbox\"\n            data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.core.image.handleKeydown\"\n            data-wp-on--touchstart=\"actions.core.image.handleTouchStart\"\n            data-wp-on--touchmove=\"actions.core.image.handleTouchMove\"\n            data-wp-on--touchend=\"actions.core.image.handleTouchEnd\"\n            data-wp-on--click=\"actions.core.image.hideLightbox\"\n            tabindex=\"-1\"\n            >\n                <button type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Close\" style=\"fill: #000\" class=\"close-button\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.core.image.hideLightbox\">\n                    <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M13 11.8l6.1-6.3-1-1-6.1 6.2-6.1-6.2-1 1 6.1 6.3-6.5 6.7 1 1 6.5-6.6 6.5 6.6 1-1z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n                <\/button>\n                <div class=\"lightbox-image-container\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large responsive-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-bind--src=\"context.core.image.imageCurrentSrc\" data-wp-style--object-fit=\"selectors.core.image.lightboxObjectFit\" src=\"\" alt=\"James Dixon conducting the University of Iowa Symphony Orchestra during rehearsal in the 1950s.\" class=\"wp-image-953\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>James Dixon conducting the University of Iowa Symphony Orchestra, 1950s. James Dixon Papers [UA10028], University Archives, University of Iowa Libraries.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n                <div class=\"lightbox-image-container\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large enlarged-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-bind--src=\"selectors.core.image.enlargedImgSrc\" data-wp-style--object-fit=\"selectors.core.image.lightboxObjectFit\" src=\"\" alt=\"James Dixon conducting the University of Iowa Symphony Orchestra during rehearsal in the 1950s.\" class=\"wp-image-953\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>James Dixon conducting the University of Iowa Symphony Orchestra, 1950s. James Dixon Papers [UA10028], University Archives, University of Iowa Libraries.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n                <div class=\"scrim\" style=\"background-color: #fff\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n        <\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q:\u00a0What has\u00a0curating\u00a0this exhibit meant to you as both a\u00a0scholar\u00a0and musician?<\/strong>\u00a0<br><strong>A:\u00a0<\/strong>At its most personal to me, the exhibit is an ode to what I fear can get lost in conservatory-style music education.\u00a0Long hours alone in a practice room can make it hard to feel enmeshed in a larger musical ecosystem.\u00a0The rigors of this type of musical training can\u00a0undermine a performer\u2019s relationship with prospective listeners,\u00a0and\/or make attending a live performance as part of an audience into a chore.\u00a0\u00a0<br>\u00a0<br><strong>Q:\u00a0How did you approach your research in the archives?\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<br><strong>A:\u00a0<\/strong>Throughout, I have organized my\u00a0research for the\u00a0exhibit around two core\u00a0objectives:\u00a0firstly, to\u00a0introduce\u00a0the\u00a0broader public to the breadth of\u00a0what is available in\u00a0Dixon\u2019s collected papers;\u00a0and\u00a0secondly, to\u00a0trace the depth of Dixon\u2019s roots in the local community.\u00a0This often meant working in multiple directions simultaneously.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To be able to\u00a0accomplish\u00a0the first\u00a0objective, I had to understand what was in the collection, and the only way to do that was to explore what I could while it was being processed. Work towards the second\u00a0objective\u00a0looked a lot like storyboarding.\u00a0As I got to know the\u00a0collection a bit better, I\u00a0collected what fragments I could of the stories waiting to be told with the materials.\u00a0I\u00a0built up a holistic view of Dixion\u2019s life and work as\u00a0it relates to\u00a0the lesser-known history of regional orchestras.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;core&quot;:\n\t\t\t\t{ &quot;image&quot;:\n\t\t\t\t\t{   &quot;imageLoaded&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;initialized&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;lightboxEnabled&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;hideAnimationEnabled&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;preloadInitialized&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;lightboxAnimation&quot;: &quot;zoom&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;imageUploadedSrc&quot;: &quot;https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/files\/2026\/02\/Kiddy-Concert-This-Morning.png&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;imageCurrentSrc&quot;: &quot;&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;targetWidth&quot;: &quot;964&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;targetHeight&quot;: &quot;890&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;scaleAttr&quot;: &quot;&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;dialogLabel&quot;: &quot;Enlarged image&quot;\n\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t}\" data-wp-interactive class=\"alignright size-medium wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"277\" data-wp-effect--setStylesOnResize=\"effects.core.image.setStylesOnResize\" data-wp-effect=\"effects.core.image.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-init=\"effects.core.image.initOriginImage\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.core.image.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"actions.core.image.handleLoad\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/files\/2026\/02\/Kiddy-Concert-This-Morning-300x277.png\" alt=\"Newspaper article describing a children's concert in the Quad Cities put on by the youth orchestra that included the score from The Sound of Music. Most relevant to the exhibit is the following: Director of the Tri-City Youth Orchestra is James Dixon of Iowa City, also director of the Tri-City Symphony Orchestra. He puts the youngsters through their paces every Saturday afternoon for two hours in the Davenport Masonic Temple. This practice, plus rehearsals by members with their own high school bands and orchestras, adds to the quality and performance of both the high school groups and the youth orchestra.&quot;\" class=\"wp-image-958\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/files\/2026\/02\/Kiddy-Concert-This-Morning-300x277.png 300w, https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/files\/2026\/02\/Kiddy-Concert-This-Morning-768x709.png 768w, https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/files\/2026\/02\/Kiddy-Concert-This-Morning.png 964w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge image: Newspaper article describing a children&#039;s concert in the Quad Cities put on by the youth orchestra that included the score from The Sound of Music. Most relevant to the exhibit is the following: Director of the Tri-City Youth Orchestra is James Dixon of Iowa City, also director of the Tri-City Symphony Orchestra. He puts the youngsters through their paces every Saturday afternoon for two hours in the Davenport Masonic Temple. This practice, plus rehearsals by members with their own high school bands and orchestras, adds to the quality and performance of both the high school groups and the youth orchestra.&quot;\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.core.image.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"context.core.image.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"context.core.image.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Newspaper article from the<\/em> Times-Democrat<em>, March 26, 1966. Davenport, Iowa. Newspapers Collection, State Historical Society of Iowa &#8211; Iowa City Research Center.<\/em><\/figcaption>        <div data-wp-body=\"\" class=\"wp-lightbox-overlay zoom\"\n            data-wp-bind--role=\"selectors.core.image.roleAttribute\"\n            data-wp-bind--aria-label=\"selectors.core.image.dialogLabel\"\n            data-wp-class--initialized=\"context.core.image.initialized\"\n            data-wp-class--active=\"context.core.image.lightboxEnabled\"\n            data-wp-class--hideAnimationEnabled=\"context.core.image.hideAnimationEnabled\"\n            data-wp-bind--aria-modal=\"selectors.core.image.ariaModal\"\n            data-wp-effect=\"effects.core.image.initLightbox\"\n            data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.core.image.handleKeydown\"\n            data-wp-on--touchstart=\"actions.core.image.handleTouchStart\"\n            data-wp-on--touchmove=\"actions.core.image.handleTouchMove\"\n            data-wp-on--touchend=\"actions.core.image.handleTouchEnd\"\n            data-wp-on--click=\"actions.core.image.hideLightbox\"\n            tabindex=\"-1\"\n            >\n                <button type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Close\" style=\"fill: #000\" class=\"close-button\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.core.image.hideLightbox\">\n                    <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M13 11.8l6.1-6.3-1-1-6.1 6.2-6.1-6.2-1 1 6.1 6.3-6.5 6.7 1 1 6.5-6.6 6.5 6.6 1-1z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n                <\/button>\n                <div class=\"lightbox-image-container\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium responsive-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-bind--src=\"context.core.image.imageCurrentSrc\" data-wp-style--object-fit=\"selectors.core.image.lightboxObjectFit\" src=\"\" alt=\"Newspaper article describing a children's concert in the Quad Cities put on by the youth orchestra that included the score from The Sound of Music. Most relevant to the exhibit is the following: Director of the Tri-City Youth Orchestra is James Dixon of Iowa City, also director of the Tri-City Symphony Orchestra. He puts the youngsters through their paces every Saturday afternoon for two hours in the Davenport Masonic Temple. This practice, plus rehearsals by members with their own high school bands and orchestras, adds to the quality and performance of both the high school groups and the youth orchestra.&quot;\" class=\"wp-image-958\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Newspaper article from the<\/em> Times-Democrat<em>, March 26, 1966. Davenport, Iowa. Newspapers Collection, State Historical Society of Iowa &#8211; Iowa City Research Center.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n                <div class=\"lightbox-image-container\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium enlarged-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-bind--src=\"selectors.core.image.enlargedImgSrc\" data-wp-style--object-fit=\"selectors.core.image.lightboxObjectFit\" src=\"\" alt=\"Newspaper article describing a children's concert in the Quad Cities put on by the youth orchestra that included the score from The Sound of Music. Most relevant to the exhibit is the following: Director of the Tri-City Youth Orchestra is James Dixon of Iowa City, also director of the Tri-City Symphony Orchestra. He puts the youngsters through their paces every Saturday afternoon for two hours in the Davenport Masonic Temple. This practice, plus rehearsals by members with their own high school bands and orchestras, adds to the quality and performance of both the high school groups and the youth orchestra.&quot;\" class=\"wp-image-958\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Newspaper article from the<\/em> Times-Democrat<em>, March 26, 1966. Davenport, Iowa. Newspapers Collection, State Historical Society of Iowa &#8211; Iowa City Research Center.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n                <div class=\"scrim\" style=\"background-color: #fff\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n        <\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Q:\u00a0Why is it important to have this exhibit in the Main Library Gallery?<\/strong>\u00a0<br><strong>A:<\/strong>\u00a0If\u00a0the exhibit were not in the gallery,\u00a0I\u00a0wouldn\u2019t\u00a0have had the chance to collaborate with the amazing team\u00a0that works there.\u00a0I have learned more from Sara, Lauren, and the rest about public-facing scholarly work than I have from any number of papers, conference\u00a0presentations, and seminars on the topic.\u00a0\u00a0 <br>\u00a0<br><strong>Q:\u00a0What are some of the most surprising things you learned during your research\u00a0for\u00a0this project?\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<br><strong>A:<\/strong>\u00a0I learned a lot about what a tragedy it is to lose local news.\u00a0Papers in small communities like\u00a0Guthrie\u00a0Center\u00a0had so many subtle yet significant ways of\u00a0maintaining\u00a0strong\u00a0bonds among close-knit residents.\u00a0For instance, a\u00a0lot of the\u00a0local newspaper\u00a0announcements\u00a0I found\u00a0for concerts on the University of Iowa\u00a0campus included\u00a0the names of students who had grown up in the place of publication.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<br>\u00a0<br><strong>Q:\u00a0What is your favorite object in the exhibit?\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<br><strong>A:\u00a0<\/strong>&#8220;The\u00a0Conductor\u2019s\u00a0Study,\u201d\u00a0which is more of\u00a0a\u00a0built environment\u00a0than a singular object.\u00a0It\u2019s\u00a0this\u00a0element that allowed me to fully experience what the medium of exhibitions\u00a0can\u00a0accomplish\u00a0that scholarly publication cannot.\u00a0\u00a0<br><br><strong>Q:\u00a0What do you hope visitors will take away from their time in\u00a0<em>Orchestrating Community<\/em>?<\/strong>\u00a0<br><strong>A:\u00a0<\/strong>I expect the pictures of Dixon\u2019s return to Guthrie Center with the University of Iowa Symphony Orchestra to personally resonate with a lot of visitors. If they\u00a0weren\u2019t\u00a0a\u00a0member of\u00a0an ensemble performing in a gymnasium like the one pictured, or a guest at the type of school reception pictured, they\u00a0likely know\u00a0someone who was.\u00a0I hope\u00a0visitors take a moment\u00a0as they enjoy all the\u00a0exhibit has\u00a0to offer\u00a0to think\u00a0about all the people and places they are connected to because of such\u00a0community music\u00a0experiences.\u00a0\u00a0<br>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;core&quot;:\n\t\t\t\t{ &quot;image&quot;:\n\t\t\t\t\t{   &quot;imageLoaded&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;initialized&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;lightboxEnabled&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;hideAnimationEnabled&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;preloadInitialized&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;lightboxAnimation&quot;: &quot;zoom&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;imageUploadedSrc&quot;: &quot;https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/files\/2026\/02\/Katie-Sarah-Exhibit-Opening_DSC_0566-scaled.jpg&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;imageCurrentSrc&quot;: &quot;&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;targetWidth&quot;: &quot;2560&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;targetHeight&quot;: &quot;1672&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;scaleAttr&quot;: &quot;&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;dialogLabel&quot;: &quot;Enlarged image&quot;\n\t\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t}\" data-wp-interactive class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"669\" data-wp-effect--setStylesOnResize=\"effects.core.image.setStylesOnResize\" data-wp-effect=\"effects.core.image.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-init=\"effects.core.image.initOriginImage\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.core.image.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"actions.core.image.handleLoad\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/files\/2026\/02\/Katie-Sarah-Exhibit-Opening_DSC_0566-1024x669.jpg\" alt=\"Curator Katie sits in a chair at a vintage desk and curator Sarah stands behind her. They are both smiling, Katie is holding a photo of James Dixon and his cat. Sarah is holding a faux plant. They are at the opening event for their exhibit.\" class=\"wp-image-956\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/files\/2026\/02\/Katie-Sarah-Exhibit-Opening_DSC_0566-1024x669.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/files\/2026\/02\/Katie-Sarah-Exhibit-Opening_DSC_0566-300x196.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/files\/2026\/02\/Katie-Sarah-Exhibit-Opening_DSC_0566-768x501.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/files\/2026\/02\/Katie-Sarah-Exhibit-Opening_DSC_0566-1536x1003.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/files\/2026\/02\/Katie-Sarah-Exhibit-Opening_DSC_0566-2048x1337.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/files\/2026\/02\/Katie-Sarah-Exhibit-Opening_DSC_0566-1568x1024.jpg 1568w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge image: Curator Katie sits in a chair at a vintage desk and curator Sarah stands behind her. They are both smiling, Katie is holding a photo of James Dixon and his cat. Sarah is holding a faux plant. They are at the opening event for their exhibit.\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.core.image.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"context.core.image.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"context.core.image.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Co-curators Katie Buehner and Sarah Suhadolnik in &#8220;The Conductor&#8217;s Study&#8221; inside their Main Library Gallery exhibition. Photo: Krista Hershberger.<\/em><\/figcaption>        <div data-wp-body=\"\" class=\"wp-lightbox-overlay zoom\"\n            data-wp-bind--role=\"selectors.core.image.roleAttribute\"\n            data-wp-bind--aria-label=\"selectors.core.image.dialogLabel\"\n            data-wp-class--initialized=\"context.core.image.initialized\"\n            data-wp-class--active=\"context.core.image.lightboxEnabled\"\n            data-wp-class--hideAnimationEnabled=\"context.core.image.hideAnimationEnabled\"\n            data-wp-bind--aria-modal=\"selectors.core.image.ariaModal\"\n            data-wp-effect=\"effects.core.image.initLightbox\"\n            data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.core.image.handleKeydown\"\n            data-wp-on--touchstart=\"actions.core.image.handleTouchStart\"\n            data-wp-on--touchmove=\"actions.core.image.handleTouchMove\"\n            data-wp-on--touchend=\"actions.core.image.handleTouchEnd\"\n            data-wp-on--click=\"actions.core.image.hideLightbox\"\n            tabindex=\"-1\"\n            >\n                <button type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Close\" style=\"fill: #000\" class=\"close-button\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.core.image.hideLightbox\">\n                    <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M13 11.8l6.1-6.3-1-1-6.1 6.2-6.1-6.2-1 1 6.1 6.3-6.5 6.7 1 1 6.5-6.6 6.5 6.6 1-1z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n                <\/button>\n                <div class=\"lightbox-image-container\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large responsive-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-bind--src=\"context.core.image.imageCurrentSrc\" data-wp-style--object-fit=\"selectors.core.image.lightboxObjectFit\" src=\"\" alt=\"Curator Katie sits in a chair at a vintage desk and curator Sarah stands behind her. They are both smiling, Katie is holding a photo of James Dixon and his cat. Sarah is holding a faux plant. They are at the opening event for their exhibit.\" class=\"wp-image-956\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Co-curators Katie Buehner and Sarah Suhadolnik in &#8220;The Conductor&#8217;s Study&#8221; inside their Main Library Gallery exhibition. Photo: Krista Hershberger.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n                <div class=\"lightbox-image-container\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large enlarged-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-bind--src=\"selectors.core.image.enlargedImgSrc\" data-wp-style--object-fit=\"selectors.core.image.lightboxObjectFit\" src=\"\" alt=\"Curator Katie sits in a chair at a vintage desk and curator Sarah stands behind her. They are both smiling, Katie is holding a photo of James Dixon and his cat. Sarah is holding a faux plant. They are at the opening event for their exhibit.\" class=\"wp-image-956\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Co-curators Katie Buehner and Sarah Suhadolnik in &#8220;The Conductor&#8217;s Study&#8221; inside their Main Library Gallery exhibition. Photo: Krista Hershberger.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n                <div class=\"scrim\" style=\"background-color: #fff\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n        <\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/exhibit\/orchestrating-community\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong><em>Orchestrating Community: The Public Service of Iowa Conductor James Dixon<\/em><\/strong><\/a><strong><em>&nbsp;<\/em><\/strong><strong>will be on display through June 26, 2026. The Main Library Gallery is open daily.&nbsp;Plus,&nbsp;<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/orchestrating-community-audio\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>hear clips from Dixon\u2019s conducting career online<\/strong><\/a><strong>.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Orchestrating Community: The Public Service of Iowa Conductor James Dixon, the spring 2026 exhibition in the&nbsp;Main Library&nbsp;Gallery,&nbsp;provides a glimpse into the life of its namesake through stories and objects from the recently donated James Dixon Papers.&nbsp;From&nbsp;newspaper clippings and photographs to official documents and correspondence,&nbsp;each item on display&nbsp;helps piece together&nbsp;his adventurous international career as an orchestra<a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/2026\/02\/13\/curator-qa-with-sarah-suhadolnik\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">&#8220;Curator Q&amp;A with Sarah Suhadolnik&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":272,"featured_media":951,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[22,2],"syndication":[33],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/950"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/272"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=950"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/950\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":960,"href":"https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/950\/revisions\/960"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/951"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=950"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=950"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=950"},{"taxonomy":"syndication","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.lib.uiowa.edu\/gallery\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/syndication?post=950"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}