PHIL HARTMAN & FRIENDS –

MOONLIGHTING & THE PRELIMINARY FORM

Phil Hartman, as the pretentious acting teacher Bobby Coldsman on Saturday Night Live, made it perfectly clear to all who would listen: “This is something. This is nothing. This is something. This is nothing. This is something...This is nothing.”

Well, this is something! Phil’s decades-long craft as an artist and designer of album covers is the primary focus of this show. And with a title like that we would be way out of line not to do so. His dedication and commitment to his art was evident in every performance and the same can be said for his efforts gathered here. We miss this man so much and it makes us very happy to celebrate yet another artistic side of Phil for fans and newbies alike.

The preliminary form of once emerging artists is also explored, from simple pen-and-ink designs to major ground-breaking efforts. Conversely, we gathered a few artifacts from famous artists who took their shot at LP cover art for a variety of reasons: a new canvas to explore, acceptance by a younger generation or, maybe, just a big pile of cash.

We hope you enjoy your visit with Phil Hartman and friends; the early work and side-hustles by celebrated artists in other fields.

The Record Museum is a celebration of the art and history of the record album. It is a portable, mobile museum with a gallery to peruse as one might shop for used records: An interactive installation that we call “musee dans une caisse”.