Painted Violin Returns To Denver Orchestra

Take nine violins, an equal number of local artists, add in hundreds of raffle tickets, a handful of local galleries, concert halls, and restaurants, and what do you have? Just the hottest orchestra fundraiser for DYAO and many other orchestras across the country, known as "The Painted Violin." For a third year, DYAO will present a whole new collection of ten beautifully hand-painted violins-creations by Colorado artists who donated their time and talent to the project. It all begins Friday, March 2.

The project involves handing worn-out and unplayable violins to local artists to paint, prettify, and sculpt as they see fit. Transformed by the artists' visions, the painted violins are then individually raffled off to raise funds for Denver Young Artists Orchestra. The instruments tour the Denver Metro area, displayed in galleries, restaurants, malls, and concert halls, culminating in the Painted Violin Free Family Carnival & Raffle Drawing, which will be held this year on Sunday, May 6 from 12:30 - 3:30 pm at the Walnut Foundry Event Center in Denver.

Artists that contributed their works of art to the fundraiser this year include Stephanie Andres, Catherine Dixon, Denise Howerton, Janet Moore, Margaret B.N. Melcher, Marcos Perez, Millie Roberg, Kathleen Sherman, Ling Sigstedt, and Joanna Whitney.

The exhibit kicks off with The Painted Violin Opening -- the unveiling of the finished violins before they embark on a nine week traveling exhibit. The opening reception will be held March 2, 6:00 pm, at Rialto Café. With catering entirely donated by Rialto Cafe, the celebration includes hors d'oeurves, libations, and music by the extremely talented members of the DYAO. -- www.dyao.org