Guitars for charity. More specifically guitar art for charity.
That’s essentially what was at the heart of the new exhibit found at Mesa Contemporary Arts at the Mesa Arts Center. Six-String Masterpieces was the name of the exhibit, and it truly delivered. As I strolled into the free showcase (donations gladly accepted), I was greeted with a huge poster describing the efforts of the original charity auction. This charity has garnered almost $200,000 in support of music education for young people.
From there the exhibit proved to be an insightful array of creatively designed guitars from both famous musicians and renowned tattoo artists. The fresh mix of local and national stars gave the entire exhibit a relatable yet intriguing feel. Dean Guitars was the willing sponsor for the exhibit and the showcase features over forty guitars to marvel and awe inspire. With structurally complex ones (as in one shaped like a snake) to just modern art at its most introspective (like Aaron Cain’s engraved copper mixed media guitar), there was plenty of variety in the showcase. Artists contributing to the exhibit include everyone from Kelly Clarkson (who’s guitar was a delicate flower encrusted jewel) to the Smashing Pumpkin’s Billy Crogan (who’s was a serious confection of white crosses).
The entire gallery was meant to convey that the idea that art in any form was an expression of the soul. This message came through as clearly as the detailing on the numerous guitars. And knowing that the entire show was predicated on the support of music for the children only made the exhibit that much more enticing. A good cause and a good mix of musicians made for an interesting walkthrough. The showcase just debuting Sept. 9 and running through Dec. 4 is a great example of some of the free musical endeavors the valley has to offer. Artists contributing to the collection include: Les Claypool, Billy Crogan, Chester Bennington, Ozzy Osbourne, Mark Mothersbaugh, and countless other musicians and gifted tattoo artists. Definitely worth a stroll for this free yet extremely fulfilling, musically themed activity. The Mesa Arts Center is located at One East Main Street in Mesa.
