NEW LIFE BREATHED INTO OLD INSTRUMENTS

Musical instruments get new life, benefit charities in Truro

They may no longer be creating music, but some old instruments have a new life — as a piece of visual art.

Through ‘Artists in Harmony,’ they will also be raising money for charities around the Truro area.

“It’s an art project at one level, and a way for non-profits to benefit,” said Dave Mingo, who owns Mingo Music Sales. “It’s also one more reason for people to visit downtown.”

Lori Holman, business development manager at the Marigold Cultural Centre, saw a program in another community, where old instruments became pieces of art, and thought it might work in Truro. She approached Mingo, who had several instruments that had been retired.

“To find artists to work on them, I sent the information to Maritime Art List, and 22 artists replied,” said Holman. “Each one got to choose, from a list of 13 local charities, where the money from their work would go.

“We got a great response from businesses interested in being involved.”

During the first two weeks of July the instruments will be on display in the windows of downtown businesses, and people will be able to place bids on them through an online auction on Facebook.

“We didn’t put a theme on it because we didn’t want to limit the artists,” said Holman. “We’ve got a few back in, and all are very different. Each one will make an interesting piece in someone’s home.”

She said, if things go well, they may organize something similar to run during Nova Scotia Music Week.

“I didn’t know what the reaction would be to this, and I’m surprised and pleased,” said Mingo. “The artists are giving up their time and talent to benefit the community.”

On July 25, the instruments will be at the Marigold Cultural Centre for an open house, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Winning bidders will be able to take home the items that evening.

Artists in Harmony can be found on Facebook at https:// www.facebook.com/artistsinharmony.

LYNN CURWIN/TRURO DAILY NEWS Organizers of Artists in Harmony, Dave Mingo and Lori Holman hold a couple of the instruments that have been given a new life. The ukulele was painted by Marilyn Whalen and the work on the guitar was done by Heather Laura Clarke.

SUBMITTED One of the hens at Jackie Waugh’s home gives the guitar she painted a cluck of approval. The guitar will be part of Artists in Harmony, which will raise money for charities.