In a show of artistic adaptability, the Downtown Issaquah Association (DIA) and Hammond Ashley Violins have teamed up to give damaged musical instruments a second life, this endeavor comes after a bomb cyclone last November laid waste to a slew of cellos and violins when a fallen tree wrecked a sprinkler system, inundating the stock with water. Bryce Van Parys, the General Manager and Vice President of Hammond Ashley, worked with the DIA to brainstorm the creative project and told Issaquahwa.gov, "It's good the instruments could be repurposed for the benefit of an organization so dedicated to the arts."
Given a new lease on life, these instruments now represent something more than a collection for strumming and bowing – they're a visual symphony courtesy of local artisans, reflecting resilience and communal spirit, Ekta Gupta, the DIA Art Liaison, underscored the exhibition's essence, saying, "This exhibition is about transformation—taking something broken and turning it into something beautiful," Gupta's sentiment is a celebration noted by Christina Bruning, DIA Board President who praised the widespread acclaim for the revamped instruments; now striking artwork.
The "Strings of Change" exhibit, which pairs these reborn instruments with "Scenes of Beauty & Joy," another collection showcasing art prints from Suzanne Petrucci, is open to public viewing at the Historic Shell Station in Issaquah and has extended its run until November 8, exhibit hours have been posted for Fridays through Sundays, and interested folks can hurl inquiries via email to [email protected] for more scoop.
Contributing their creative chops to the exhibit, artists like Gail Baker, whose four-decade multi-state teaching journey enhances her craft, and Kimberley Blanchard, a musician-turned-art-educator, are featured alongside others: Nicole Cash and her modern-twist on traditional textiles, Leslie Nan Moon who echoes the regional landscapes in her prints, and Mark Nance merging his saxophone talents with 3D printing for unique artistry also Paula Stringer's mixed-media work weaving photos with the elements, and not to be left behind, Doug Strombom, a painter and cello student who invested a decade sharpening his strings under Blanchard, and Lynn E. Thompson, who weaved in natural elements like pearl strings and mountain quartz into her violin's design.
The exhibit not only showcases the unique stories and skills of local artists like Priyanka Parmanand, balancing her day job with her artistic passions and presidency of a century-old art non-profit; but also acts as a beacon for community narratives.
