Marxy's Musical Saw

Marxhausen was able to play music on a saw. Notice that he's in colorful corduroy pants, which he seems to have worn a lot around campus. His wife told me she made him some of his unique clothing.

Photos of Marxy

Some things never change. Decades ago, these students were enjoying the same musical headsets you can find in Marxhausen's studio today.

You can make out a door knob, an object which clearly intrigued Marxhausen.

A fascinating portrait of Marxy in his studio.

A gallery space for Marxhausen's work:

Styrofoam shapes similar to the ones he showed Letterman.

From the Scrapbook - Invitation

This was the invitation to the celebration honoring Marxhausen last year.

Here is what the text says:

a celebration of MARXHAUSEN

Reinhold Marxhausen, Concordia artist and Seward resident since 1951, will be celebrated at Seward's Rivoli Theater on Main Street Sunday, May 24, from 3:00-5:00 p.m.

Showing Marxhausen films, "Findings," "Timelines," and "A Time to See," produced by Banker's Life and Nebraska NET. These films showcase Marx's artwork and his legacy in Nebraska.

Sponsored by: Seward Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with Concordia University.

This invitation was kept as a souvenir by a local fan of Marxhausen's work.

Click on this thumbnail to view a close-up of the photo by Marxhausen used in this invitation.

- Duncan

Stone Sculpture

Stereo Wires

Pictured above, one of my classmates tries out a sound helmet. It's a similar concept to the other sound makers Marxy showed Letterman. Pictured below is the same stereo doorknob set featured on that show.

Below, one of my classmates tries out a helmet with a similar concept.

My First Visit to Marxhausen's Studio

Anne Marxhausen informed me that Reinhold often assigned his ceramic students to sculpt shoes out of clay. These are likely by his students.

This is a model for the mural in the Lincoln Community Playhouse, which I wrote about here.

[Edit: I just learned that this red pipe was constructed by Reinhold's son, Karl Marxhausen.]

John the Revelator, work by a student

From the Scrapbook - Lincoln Capitol Brochure

This is an official brochure which acts as a guide for the building, including its art.

Foyer-Past, Present and Future Life on the Plains

...In the arches, around the circular ceiling mosaics of the past, present and future, activities of society and all cultures are represented...

These six murals were added to celebrate the 1967 state centennial. Marxhausen was to only artist to create two for the Capitol, "The Spirit of Nebraska" and "The Building of the Capitol."

From the Scrapbook - Civic Center Expo

All of these are photos from a scrapbook owned by a fan of Marxhausen's work. They were in an exposition at the Civic Center in 2002.

Bust of his wife Doris.

"Old Farmer" was written on the back of the photo and may be the title.

This photo is a bit fuzzy, but you can sort of make out these words:

Top: WINTER, SPRING, SUMMER, FALL

Side bar: SKY, GROWING FIELDS, CROSS SECTION OF EARTH

SKY is written on the right side as well.

Center: SUN, SEED, CENTER (the second word is difficult to read, but I can make out the letters NOT and something else), COIN

Bottom: SEEDS, GROWING, HARVEST, FALL, PLANTING (?)

Anyone recognize this image?

A self-portrait clay bust.
This piece was created with a lightning rod and glass ball insulator.

Marxhausen with David Letterman

Formica Piece

This was commissioned by Gary Greinke, who was Assistant to the President of CUNE in 1973. He gave it as a gift to a member of Concordia's staff, Lynda Parde, to celebrate the birth of her daughter.

According to Parde, this is the symbolism of Marxhausen's piece:

The two black arcs represent the earth. The top arc is the old soil and the bottom glossy arc represents new soil that is fertile. Between the two arcs there are two forms with the one on the left representing the man and the one on the right representing the woman. The woman is with child and will soon give birth. The parallel explanation refers to seeds planted under top soil in fertile ground that will develop and will break through the outer surface of the soil into new plants when conditions are right.

This blog is the only place you'll be able to find some of these artworks.

- Duncan