Guitar Exhibition & Auction to benefit youth art, music initiatives
September 2, 2021

Art guitars designed by middle & high school students
on display at Dogwood Arts

Dogwood Arts is excited to launch the 2021 Epiphone Student Guitar Design Exhibition & Auction. Opening this Friday, September 3rd at the Dogwood Arts Gallery, the exhibition features nineteen one-of-a-kind ‘art guitars’ designed and hand-painted by students in Knoxville, Oak Ridge, and Chattanooga. Dogwood Arts partnered with the Songbirds Foundation in Chattanooga to give local middle and high school students the chance to design and paint guitars that were generously provided by Epiphone.

Epiphone. Image courtesy of Dogwood Arts

The exhibition features work by students from the L&N Stem Academy, Grace Christian Academy, Halls Middle School, Bearden Middle School, Concord Christian School, Walker Valley High School, Hixson High School, The Howard School, McCallie School, Jefferson Middle School, Girls Preparatory School, The Howard School, Central High School, and several homeschooled students.

The guitars will be on exhibition in the gallery at Dogwood Arts (123 W Jackson Avenue) from September 3rd-24th before moving to the Songbirds Guitar Museum in Chattanooga, where they will be on display October 1-29th (35 Station St, Chattanooga). The online auction is live now through October 31st with bidding starting at just $75 per guitar. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Songbirds Foundation’s Guitars for Kids program and youth art initiatives at Dogwood Arts.

First Friday Reception at Dogwood Arts: the guitars will be unveiled at a reception at Dogwood Arts on Friday, September 3rd from 5-8PM. Live music will be provided by local singer/songwriter Zack Miles. Masks are required for all attendees, regardless of vaccination status.

Auction Link

About the Songbirds Foundation’s Guitars for Kids Program: The Guitars for Kids program was created to restore and revive the school music experience. The program focuses on guitar basics and provides students with the fundamentals through a diverse range of playing styles and techniques. As students grow with the program, the lessons integrate music theory and specific genres and styles. In addition, students work with certified music therapists to develop their social-emotional capacity and learn to work through social, health, and life issues. Students work in groups, create friendships, and establish musical bonds with other players.

Dogwood Arts, presented by ORNL Federal Credit Union, is a 501(c)3 organization with a mission to promote and celebrate our region’s art, culture, and natural beauty. For more information on Dogwood Arts, visit www.dogwoodarts.com or call (865) 637-4561.