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 – 7:30 pm and will remain on display at Sumner Hall through September 2026. Visitors will experience a carefully curated selection of Stewart’s striking black-and-white and color photographs. Over his expansive career, he has captured profound cultural moments and photographed jazz legends such as Miles Davis, Wynton Marsalis, and Dizzy Gillespie.
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 at Sumner Hall as part of the 30th Anniversary Chestertown Jazz Festival,” said Dr. Mel Rapelyea, founder of the Chestertown Jazz Festival. “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 South 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: info@sumnerhall.org
