From gourd banjos to dulcimers, you’ll find a unique selection of hand-crafted instruments at "Fine Tuned: A Fresh Take on Musical Instrument," the latest exhibition at the Florida Craftsmen Gallery on display through August 23.
One of the more unique sounding instruments-- the hand-carved boxes that create drums. And people are encouraged to play them.
"In fact we found when people come in we can hear them playing it all day long,” said Diane Shelly, Executive Director of Florida Craftsmen Gallery.
Also on display, specially embellished violins created by local artists, all being auctioned off to benefit the music program at the Canterbury School of Florida in St. Petersburg.
Local Artisan Mark Noll said he knew exactly what his plans were for his violin.
“I have a thing about skulls," laughed Noll.
Noll said skulls create our face and hold our consciousness and should be celebrated. The violin he worked on has skulls meticulously carved into the thin wood of the violin.
"This one really represented all the composers from the past."
Apparently, about 40 or so.
Sculptor Mark Aeling also worked on a charity violin. His has a heavy metal look, thanks to a special distressed metal particle and acrylic coating.
"In the art world we call it a patina," said Aeling.
Both men discussed the importance of “giving back” and supporting music education in schools.
Bidding sheets are next to each violin in the gallery. You can also check them out online, including Noll and Aeling’s works and call in your bid.
The bidding ends August 23rd at 5 p.m.