Sunday, May 24, 2009

Allman Brothers Band Autographs Guitar for Miami GuitarTown Project


Florida-based visual artist Jeannette Parssi decided to bring something extra to the table when invited by Gibson Guitar to participate in the second installment of Gibson’s Miami GuitarTown Project. After painting the naked Epiphone Casino electric guitar Gibson shipped to her for the event, Parssi was able to have the instrument autographed by all seven members of the Allman Brothers Band, which will no doubt add to its value when auctioned for charity later this year. "The band was more than happy to help," says Parssi, "as it seems they always are when it comes to supporting worthy causes. I really appreciate all of the band members signing the guitar for me. It turns my artwork into a real collector's item, which will benefit some very worthwhile charities in Miami."

In September of 2008, Gibson Guitar announced the launch of Miami GuitarTown, the second installment of such an exhibit in Florida, which will take place throughout the city of Miami. The Miami GuitarTown is a public arts project that features both 10-foot tall fiberglass Gibson Les Paul model guitar sculptures that will be on display throughout Miami in front of city landmarks, sponsor locations and other popular destinations for several months, and a showcase of regular-size Epiphone Casino guitars. Both the fiberglass sculptures and the Casinos will be artistically designed and painted by local and nationally acclaimed visual artists and celebrities. Gibson has also recently announced that Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter Gloria Estefan has been named Celebrity Co-Chairperson for the project.

"As a growing international arts hub, it is very exciting to have Miami join the ranks of other major cities in hosting this wonderful project," said the Honorable Mayor Manny Diaz. "Miami is a dynamic international city and makes for the perfect backdrop for a project as colorful, exciting and innovative as Gibson GuitarTown," said Henry Juszkiewicz, Chairman and CEO of presenting sponsor Gibson Guitar. "We look forward to helping the charities who will benefit from the project and combining the sounds of Miami with the artistry of South Florida." The three beneficiaries are The Miami Music & Art Fund, Miami Children's Hospital Foundation and The Art and Culture Center of Hollywood. These nonprofit organizations will share in the proceeds raised by the project and be awarded a check by the Gibson Foundation following a gala auction later this year.

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