An exhibit chronicling the life and career of a local resident, “Sights and Sounds: Photographs by Arthur Montzka,” premiered March 1 at the Nehring Center Gallery, located on the second floor of the Nehring Center for Culture and Tourism for the DeKalb Park District, 111 S. Second St.

Montzka, who died in 2002, was most famous for his photographs documenting the Suzuki method of teaching music, which subscribes to the belief that children can learn music if they are exposed at an early age.

“He called [it] ‘a hobby that ran amok,’” said Marilyn Montzka, director of the Suzuki piano program at the NIU Community School of the Arts and Arthur’s wife of 42 years. “He became the [prominent] Suzuki photographer because our kids were enrolled in the program and word spread.”

Marilyn Montzka will speak at an opening reception for the exhibit at 3 p.m. today.

“Almost all the photos are candid – about 80 percent of them,” said Nehring Center Gallery Director Yasemin Kacker. “They have such a humor to them.”

Arthur Montzka’s photos were included in magazines such as Parenting Magazine, Music Educator’s Journal and Strad Magazine. A book of his photos, “Suzuki Image,” was published in 1988.

“He had a real interest in children, artistic form and creativity,” Marilyn said.

Montzka became interested in photography while in the Seventh Army Symphony in the late 50s when he was stationed in Germany and spent his time developing his photos in other parts of Europe as well. Some of these photos will also be included in the collection.

“His first camera was a Leica. He bought it in Germany,” recalled Marilyn. “He was surprised by its cheapness.”

Not only is Montzka famous for his photos, but he was well-known locally as a full-time teacher for DeKalb public schools for 20 years, including orchestra director at DeKalb High School. Some of his photos are of local residents from the schools.

“He was really appreciated by all in the community,” Kacker said.

Montzka died Nov. 25, 2002 in a car accident, and his wife sees the photos as a celebration of his life and work.

“I am proud to gather all of his pictures together, it’s wonderful to remember his work,” Marilyn said. “I can be happy to have had him in my life in pictures.”

The Montzka exhibit will run through April 3. The Nehring Center Gallery is open Tuesdays and Thursdays 4 to 6 p.m., Saturdays 1 to 5 p.m. and Sundays 3 to 5 p.m.