Arias on Paper

The universal problem of collectors is storage. Where do you keep it all? John Lesser, collector of opera posters, has developed an excellent solution: Loan them out to various public institutions and not only do you get to stop by and visit your collection, other people are able to enjoy it as well. Lesser’s collection is partially on display at the City Museum, Washington University and Opera Theatre of St. Louis — and beginning on Friday, May 2, at Subterranean Books (6275 Delmar Boulevard, University City; 314-862-6100 or www.subbooks.com). Sticking to the Roof of your Eyeballs: Polish Posters from the collection of John Lesser showcases Polish advertisements for opera productions between 1960 and the early 21st century. Evocative and possessed of that uniquely Polish melancholia, these posters are as much works of art as the operas they promote. The show is on display daily through Sunday, June 15.
May 2-June 15, 2008