Juneau Symphony art auction slated for May 10

The Juneau Symphony is holding an art auction at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, at the Juneau Arts & Culture Center to benefit its 2007-08 season.

The symphony has asked 17 local artists to transform derelict stringed instruments into "magnificent works of art" that will be auctioned off by master of ceremonies Ron Clark. Featured artists include Dan DeRoux, Jim Fowler, Charity Green, Ray Troll, Jeff Brown and Rob Roys.

The evening will feature local dance bands including Steve Tada and the Eastern Onions, a silent auction, door prizes, a no-host bar and homemade desserts for sale.

Rather than send damaged instruments to the ever-growing landfill, the symphony decided to recycle them by capitalizing on their inherent beauty. Event coordinator Paul Gardinier collected 20 stringed instruments, including violins, cellos and guitars. Instruments that were still useable were passed on to Juneau Student Symphony musicians. Those that were too damaged to be played were given to local artists, who painted, dismantled, rebuilt, stripped and stained the pieces until they took on whole new lives as visual works of art.

Pieces can be previewed at the arts center from 7:00 to 7:30 p.m.

In addition to the live auction and silent auction there will be dancing and desserts. Over 20 volunteer bakers' goods will be for sale and a no-host bar will be available. Door prizes, including symphony tickets and a Mt. Roberts Tram premium pass, will be awarded.

Tickets are $12 and will be available at Hearthside Books and at the door. Whole tables that seat up to 10 people may be reserved for $100. For more information and a full list of participating artists, visit www.juneausymphony.org or call 586-4676.