The art of music is a feast for the ears, while Guitar Art, a new concept being promoted by the Gretsch Guitar Company, is a feast for the eyes! In 2002 the Gretsch Company started an art program, where instruments were donated to schools and organizations to help them with their fundraising needs. Through this program, non-profit organizations received used guitars and turned them into beautiful and unique works of art that were then sold at auction.

Organizations such as The Monroe Art Guild in Monroe, Georgia benefited from the program by receiving several guitars that they, in turn challenged local artists to decorate for a fundraiser auction. Building on that success, the Holy Name School in Sheridan, Wyoming transformed their guitar into a mosaic work of art by the art teacher. In both cases the winning bidder got a unique one of a kind piece of art to display in their home, studio, or office and the organization received funding to help with operational costs or to support specific programs such as music or art.

Continuing with this tradition of artistic success the Gretsch Company is now offering two giving programs to qualified 501(3)(C) schools or organizations. First, is the Basic Instrument Program where schools or organizations can receive a used beginner level guitar. The Gretsch Company will provide up to five guitars to one organization. This is perfect for students or faculty to decorate for a charitable fundraiser.

The second program features non-playable, Professional Level instruments that would best fit in a fundraiser that has the potential to attract professional artist to decorate them. In this instance schools or organizations should be willing to get well-known local artists or local celebrities to decorate the guitar for an auction or other fundraising event.

If you want to take advantage of making beautiful works of art to add interest to your next fundraiser, please send your application via e-mail to the attention of Jeanie Beach at jeanie@guitarart.org or mail us at The Gretsch Company, Attn: Community Relations, P.O. Box 2468, Savannah, GA 31402.

Gretsch Guitar Art Program in action...
Local Folk Music Festival makes the best of the Gretsch Guitar Art Program. Read the story in the Savannah Morning News.
* Visit the GuitarArt.Org Website.