5-Color Serigraph, Printed on: Archival Black Paper, Published: 1987 38" X 36", 500 Limited Edition, 50 Artists Proofs, Printer: Seriphics
In 1987 Jeffrey Sax was commissioned by the "Taste of the South" to design the W.C. Handy commemorative poster. He was flown to Washington D.C. where he met Minnie Handy, the daughter of W.C. Handy who was very happy with the design. The money raised from the sale of the print was donated to the W.C. Handy Museum which was his old house in Florence, Alabama. The funds collected were used to refurbish the home to it's original state complete with his personal piano. This image depicts the first bar of music from W.C. Handy's famous work, "The St. Louis Blues". The first note represents music for music's sake. The second note signifies the agricultural south where Blues music was born. The third note is a magnolia blossom which epitomizes the famous southern hospitality and culture. Jeffrey Sax retained 100 prints for gallery and museum distribution.
Taste of the South - W.C. Handy Museum
From his studio/gallery at 807 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA. Jeffrey Sax has been producing and selling his work to a worldwide audience. His serigraphs from the 1980's were hand printed, one color at a time, by master printers (primarily David Smith of Seriphics). Edition series were usually limited to 500 prints (or less) and there are no originals. The artist working with a photographer created transparent overlays which were then burned onto screens by the printer. This integrity factor combined with Jeff's artistry has earned him representation in museums alongside artists like Warhol, Picasso, and Rauschenberg.