Guitar Art Show and Auction
Thursday, April 14th in the Rialto Room at Hotel Indigo
Schedule:Kyshonna Armstrong will be playing from 6p-7p (for VIP ticket-holders)
From 6-7 pm VIP ticket-holders will be able to preview all of the items.
7-9 pm: Silent auction of Guitar and Drum Artwork.
9:30 pm: Half Dozen Brass Band will perform.
The idea for a musical instrument-inspired art show was first revealed nearly 4 years ago when The Gretsch Foundation awarded Nuçi’s Space 4 small acoustic guitars, 3 full-size acoustic guitars and a beginner-level drumset as part of a fundraising program called Guitar Art. The Gretsch Company, based in Savannah, GA, has been producing world-class drums and guitars since 1883. While maintaining an emphasis on by hand craftsmanship and its dedication to quality, Gretsch has kept its philanthropic commitment to the community as well. In 2002 the Gretsch Company started donating instruments to schools and organizations to help with their fundraising needs. Through this program, non-profit organizations receive used guitars and with the help of local artists turn them into beautiful and unique pieces that are then friendly, sold at auction.
Following several obstacles and unfortunate twists-of-fate, the long awaited Guitar Art Show and Auction will be held on Thursday, April 14th in the Rialto Room at the award-winning Hotel Indigo in downtown Athens. The event promises to be an unforgettable night, filled with great music and art. Hotel Indigo is offering special discounted room rates for attendees interested in staying the night and soaking up the hotel’s world-class accommodations. Please check www.nuci.org for further details.
“Although it has taken us several years to get this show together, the collection of instruments and music memorabilia available for auction is very impressive,” says Executive Director, Bob Sleppy. In addition to the instruments donated by Gretsch, the auction will include other instruments donated by local musicians.
Music memorabilia will include items autographed by the B-52’s, Kenny Rogers, Drive-By Truckers, Colt Ford, Green Day, R.E.M., Ben Mize (formerly of Counting Crows), Kris Kristofferson and Oscar winner, Jeff Bridges (from the film “Crazy Heart”). A highlight of the show will include a custom acoustic guitar, built by Athens-based luthier, Scott Baxendale and signed by Drive-By Truckers.
(Featured Artists: Wilma Pittard, Lou Kregel, Chris Bilheimer, Chris Wyrick, Chris Gholson, John Gholson, Jamie Calkin, Wes Freed, Jason McFarland, Lamar Wood, Jeff Hannan and John Ahee.)
