'Music for Your Eyes' debuts next week

News

Staff Writer

For almost 60 years, the Guild of the Jacksonville Symphony Association has worked to fulfill the goals expressed by the cultural resource’s founders “to further an awareness of music and to create community support of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra through fundraising projects.”

Over the years, the group achieved distinction as JSYM’s largest volunteer contributor and has developed programs including the annual Symphony Showhouse, Picnic at the Pops and the interactive Instrument Zoo that’s offered in schools and before every family concert.

Next week marks the seventh edition of “Music for Your Eyes,” a program that was started as a way to connect music and art by inviting local painters to create one-of-a-kind works on violins.

The “All Strung Out” celebration is 10 a.m. Aug. 20 at the Times-Union Center. This year, 10 violins painted by local artists will debut along with the chance to own a piece of art and support the guild’s year-round programs.

“Each one has a different theme,” said guild member and project chair Pam Gerrish-Nelson.

The proceeds from “All Strung Out” will benefit the guild’s Harmony Grants, which are awarded to teachers to supplement music education in public schools.

“The teachers can use the grants in a number of ways,”

said Gerrish-Nelson. “They can be used to enrich curriculums, purchase instruments and sheet music or provide field trips to Jacksonville Symphony concerts.”

The returning roster of artists this year includes John Bunker, Carole King Mehrtens, Toni Charneco and Ellen Diamond. Artists making their inaugural contributions are Susan Shuman, Tayloe White, Gretchen Ebersol, Hillary Hogue, Susan Ober and George Guzzardo.

Each artist donated his or her talent to the project, which has earned national recognition from the League of American Orchestras.

In addition to being part of the violins’ public unveiling, guests also will meet the artists at the reception. Chances to win one of the works of art are $5 each, three for $10, 10 for $20, 50 for $50 and 125 for $100.

For reservations, call the Symphony Guild at 358-1479 or e-mail [email protected].