It wasn’t New Year’s Eve, and it wasn’t midnight. But more than 60 visitors to Paul Henry’s Art Gallery in Hammond on Dec. 30 sang a long, rousing rendition of the traditional New Year’s song “Auld Lang Syne.”
It was one of the many activities on the agenda for the Eve of New Year’s Eve Party.
“New Year’s Eve coincided with our usual weekly Jam Session night and quite a few people look forward to those Thursdays,” gallery owner Dave Mueller said. “Everyone wanted to get together, so we decided to celebrate early.”
Midevening found the entire roster of about 15 musical entertainers taking the stage for the traditional New Year’s anthem.
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“I didn’t know ‘Auld Lang Syne’ had more than one verse,” said Donna Harrington of Hammond, as she was handed a song sheet. “We’re having a great time, good food, socializing and great entertainment — just like a regular holiday party.”
Indeed, the evening’s schedule included more, with many surprise performers — poetry readings, musical solos, piano offerings and some playing instruments ranging from the trumpet and violin to a small washboard.
“I always bring this when I come to Jam Nights,” Tom Collins of Dolton, Ill., said as he warmed up in a side room with his washboard. “It’s unique and everyone seems to like the sound.”
Marilyn and Harry Scofield of Schererville heard about the Gallery’s Jam Nights when they moved to Northwest Indiana from Chicago last summer.
“We have always been interested in all types of art — visual, musical and everything else. We always went to art venues in Chicago,” Marilyn said. “This Gallery we found here in Hammond is a little gem. You can find new artists and established ones too. And I understand Dave offers a lot of programs as well.”
“This place is very cool,” Ken Lanier of Calumet City, Ill., said as he perused some of the gallery’s artwork during an intermission in the party. “The variety of artwork is amazing.”
Exhibits range from sculptures and jewelry to paintings and photographs.
The building serving as Paul Henry’s Art Gallery formerly was used as a hardware store, developed in 1888 by Dave Mueller’s grandfather Paul Henry Mueller. It also housed a tin shop and served an automotive paint distributor.
Dave Mueller turned the once-bustling hardware store into an art venue in 2010, and hundreds of artists have exhibited within the walls.
The current weekly Thursday Night Jam Sessions began as a monthly open-mic event. To address the growing popularity, they soon became weekly occurrences.
“I can’t wait until the next big event here — the Chocolate Pie Contest,” Lynda Harris of Hammond said. “It’s right before Valentine’s Day and it’s such a blast. We get to taste the pies after they’re judged.”
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
Learn more
For more information about Paul Henry’s Art Gallery: 219-678-5015 or paulhenrygallery.com.