Sheldon exhibit features kids' invented instruments

Ever hear a "Troboe," a "Horn-a-Bottle," or a "Flubown," or groove to the beat of some "Drumbells"?

Well, me neither, but that's because these fancifully named musicial instruments are the original creations of St. Louis area school children, and they don't really exist - at least, not yet anyway. However, you can see more than 30 drawings and 3-D models of these imaginary sound-making devices when the Sheldon Art Galleries presents an exhibit called "Invent a Musical Instrument" from February 18 through March 18 in the AT&T Gallery of Children's Art.

An opening reception will be held Saturday, February 18 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The exhbit is the result of a a cross-disciplinary program sponsored by the Sheldon Art Galleries, and is described thusly: "Utilizing found and everyday objects, participating teachers guided their students from an education packet designed by The Sheldon, in the creation of working and non-working instruments from their imaginations. Participating schools are St. Ambrose School, Godfrey, Illinois; a home school program in Cantrell, Illinois; Clayton Elementary School; Farmingdale Elementary School, Pleasant Plains, Illinois; Holy Cross Lutheran School, Collinsville, Illinois; Monroe Elementary School, St. Louis and Crossroads School, St. Louis."

For more information and gallery hours, see the Sheldon's Website.