Artful Instruments

    The Juneau Symphony invites all art and music lovers to attend Artful Instruments, an art auction to benefit their 2007-08 season on Saturday, May 10 at the Juneau Arts and Culture Center at 7:00pm. The Symphony has asked 17 local artists to transform derelict string instruments into magnificent works of art that will be auctioned off by master of ceremonies, Ron Clarke. The evening will feature local dance bands including Steve Tada and the Eastern Onions, a silent auction, door prizes, a no-host bar and locally made desserts for sale. Featured artists include Dan DeRoux, Jim Fowler, Jeff Brown and Rob Roys.

            Rather than send unusable instruments to the ever growing landfill, the Symphony decided to recycle them by capitalizing on the inherent beauty of a wooden string instrument. “Waste not. Musical instruments are works of art by themselves,” said event coordinator Paul Gardinier. “When they can no longer produce music, they still have tremendous visual appeal.” Gardinier collected 20 string instruments including violins, cellos and guitars that were too damaged to be played. Some donated instruments still in useable condition were passed on to Juneau Student Symphony musicians. Local artists painted, dismantled, rebuilt, stripped and stained the pieces until they took on a whole new lives as a visual works of art. Pieces can be previewed on Friday, May 2 in the REACH building display window.

            In addition to the live auction and silent auction there will be dancing and desserts. Over 20 volunteer bakers will provide a range of delicious temptations for sale and a no-host bar will be provided by The Hangar restaurant. Steve Tada and the Eastern Onions will headline the entertainment, to be followed by other local bands. Door prizes including Symphony tickets and a Mt.Roberts Tram Premium Pass will be awarded. “We just want everyone to have a good time and support the arts in Juneau,” said Gardiner.

            Tickets are $12 will be available at Hearthside Books and at the door. Whole tables that seat up to ten people may be reserved for $100.

Participating Artists