Opening Reception – Landmark Frank Stewart Photography Exhibition

Landmark Frank Stewart Photography Exhibition to Open at Historic Sumner Hall During 30th Annual Chestertown Jazz Festival Acclaimed photographer will appear in person for opening reception celebrating a lifetime of documenting jazz, culture, and human experience. CHESTERTOWN, MD — August 5, 2026 — Historic Sumner Hall will present a landmark exhibition of photographs by internationally acclaimed photographer Frank Stewart as part of the 30th Annual Chestertown Jazz Festival. The exhibition will feature a retrospective of Stewart’s fine art photography alongside his celebrated images documenting generations of legendary jazz musicians, making it one of the signature cultural events of this year’s festival. Stewart will appear in person for the exhibition’s opening reception on Friday, September 11, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Guests will have the rare opportunity to meet the artist, view the exhibition, and hear firsthand about the stories behind his remarkable photographs, which capture the rhythm, spirit, and humanity of cultures around the world. For more than three decades, Stewart served as senior staff photographer for the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, creating an unparalleled visual record of jazz history. His work reflects a mastery of light, composition, and storytelling, documenting both iconic performances and intimate behind-the-scenes moments while celebrating the richness of global traditions and everyday life. The exhibition will remain open to the public on Saturday, September 12, from 10 am – 7 pm (, and will remain on display at Sumner Hall). Visitors will experience a carefully curated selection of Stewart’s striking black-and-white and color photographs, including portraits of legendary musicians such as Miles Davis, Wynton Marsalis, Dizzy Gillespie, and Ahmad Jamal, as well as powerful images exploring culture, travel, and the human experience. Housed in the historic home of one of the nation’s few surviving Grand Army of the Republic posts founded by African American Civil War veterans, Sumner Hall provides a uniquely meaningful setting for Stewart’s work. The exhibition reflects the museum’s ongoing commitment to preserving African American history while celebrating the arts as a powerful expression of cultural heritage. “We are incredibly honored to welcome Frank Stewart and present his extraordinary work as part of the 30th Anniversary Chestertown Jazz Festival,” said Vanessa Ringgold, Sumner Hall Board President. “Frank possesses a remarkable ability to transform fleeting moments into timeless works of art. His photographs celebrate music, history, culture, and humanity, and we are thrilled to offer our community the opportunity not only to experience this exceptional exhibition but also to meet the artist whose vision has inspired audiences around the world.” The celebration continues on Saturday, September 12, with the Chestertown Jazz Festival’s signature event, Jazz by the River, from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. at Wilmer Park. Admission to the concert requires a paid festival ticket. Event Details Frank Stewart Photography Exhibition Opening Reception & Artist Appearance Friday, September 11, 2026 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. General Exhibition Opens Saturday, September 12, 2026 10:00 am – 7:30 pm Location Historic Sumner Hall 206 S. Queen Street Chestertown, MD 21620 Admission Free and open to the public. Chestertown Jazz Festival – Jazz by the River Saturday, September 12, 2026 12:00 noon – 6:00 p.m. Wilmer Park, Chestertown, Maryland Paid admission required. Visit 2026 Chestertown Jazz Festival – 30 Years! – The Garfield Center for the Arts For more information contact: [email protected]