Violins become community art in the Painted Violin Project.

Twenty-five unplayable violins were transformed into painted artworks by community artists and are being auctioned to raise funds for Idaho State Civic Symphony education outreach.

Twenty-five unplayable violins have been transformed into painted artworks as part of the Painted Violin Project, a collaboration between the Idaho State Civic Symphony and the Pocatello Arts Center. The project invited artists of all skill levels to decorate instruments using media such as acrylics, oils, gold foil, and mixed materials. Each violin is displayed with a card explaining the artist's theme, inspiration, and personal background. The repurposed instruments debuted on Feb. 6 and were open for community viewing and voting. Key details: - Twenty-five unplayable violins were repurposed and painted as part of the project. - Participating artists included high school students, teachers, and Idaho State University students. - Artists used a variety of media, including acrylics, oils, gold foil, and mixed media. - The painted violins were shown to the public on Feb. 6, with community voting held at the debut. - Bids for the violins are being accepted, and proceeds will support Idaho State Civic Symphony education outreach, including scholarships for the youth orchestra and school instructional efforts. - The violins will be displayed at Gate City Coffee for the March 6 First Friday Art Walk, and the final auction will take place with the Pops Concert on March 20, which will feature special guest artist Bad Snacks. Summary: The Painted Violin Project repurposes unplayable instruments into visual art while raising funds for local music education and scholarships. The collaboration also highlights connections between area arts organizations and a broad range of community artists. The painted violins will travel to Gate City Coffee on March 6 and will be auctioned at the March 20 Pops Concert.