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Own a Rare Photo Print from the Arhoolie Foundation Collection

For the first time, the Arhoolie Foundation is offering signed photographs from the Chris Strachwitz Archive. During the fifty-five years Chris ran his Arhoolie label, and even a few years before that, he not only documented the sounds of regional American music, but the sights as well. Wherever he went, Chris carried a camera: from the beer joints of the south to the folk clubs of Berkeley, CA. Often his purpose was to get a shot for the cover of the record he captured that day. Some of those portraits are as indelible as the music itself.

These are limited edition of ten prints each and will come with a letter of authenticity from the Arhoolie Foundation with information about the pictures and the associated releases.

 

Each print is handmade and printed with low or acid-free ink in two sizes: 11×14 and 16×20.  All photos are hand-signed by Chris Strachwitz. Once these signed prints are sold, there will be no more prints of this edition.

11×14 prints – $250/each

16×20 prints – $400/each

Orders in the United States purchased by December 15th will be delivered in time for Christmas. International orders may take longer.

IMPORTANT SHIPPING INFORMATION: This item will ship directly from the Arhoolie Foundation via FedEx. FedEx cannot deliver to a P.O. box address, so please provide a physical shipping address during checkout.

In time for the holidays,
the Arhoolie Foundation is offering photograph
that capture three seminal artists:

Lightnin’ Hopkins

Photographed in 1964 at the neighborhood store in Houston, TX.

Sonny Boy Williamson

In 1965 in Mississippi playing with his band to appear on the King Biscuit radio show.

Big Mama Thornton

On the 1965 American Folk & Blues tour of Europe with Buddy Guy backing her up.

Dear friends,

On Giving Tuesday, we announced the capital campaign to purchase our building at 10341 San Pablo Ave in El Cerrito — home to the Arhoolie Foundation (and before that Arhoolie Records), Les Blank Films, and Down Home Music Store since 1976. We’ve been heartened by the community’s response to our fundraising announcement. To all who have donated so far: thank you. We couldn’t do this without you.

Now, while there is a contract in place to buy the building in partnership with Les Blank Films, we need to raise $1.2 million — our half of the purchase price — by April 15. Donations to the campaign can be made via the link below, by check, or by bank transfer. (To make a bank transfer, please email us at info@arhoolie.org).

In the new year, we look forward to collaborating with Les Blank Films and Down Home Music to bring more public programming to our community. We plan to revive Les Blank and Chris Strachwitz’s tradition of in-store film screenings and will host more informal, free performances and gatherings in the store as part of our outreach work. We believe this collaboration will result in a vibrant community gathering place dedicated to music, film, and deep roots culture.

If you’re interested in donating and would like to discuss our plans for the building, please don’t hesitate to email director Adam Machado at adam@arhoolie.org.

Thank you for your support as we begin this exciting new chapter!

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