At the second art show in as many months, the BRC founder is again bravely exhibiting another banjo entered under the `mixed media` category.  His 5 string  “Swallow-Tailed Kite” now hangs among an eclectic assortment of 120 other works representing a wide array artistic endeavors.

Time will tell whether luck and a judge`s ribbon might find this solitary banjo, or if a holiday buyer might purchase it for the upcoming gift-giving Season. Reactions to this 5 string instrument are varied but generally surprisingly positive, probably  because of its novel appearance in this unlikely setting.

One pundit remarked that if there were enough stray banjoists and maverick pickers who dared to push back the frontiers of their humble instrument as a multifaceted object d`art, they should establish a support group to be named “5 Strung-Out.”

If all goes well in this current exhibition, the BRC founder has preliminary plans for a submission to a third art show early next year. In the meantime, the workshop staff  wishes our faithful readership all blessings at Thanksgiving time.

P.S. The `Kite` banjo was purchased by a patron on the evening of the exhibit gala opening.

At a recent community art show, one of the BRC founder`s banjos was entered and placed in the exhibit under the category of `mixed media`.

Amidst a field of 200 abstract paintings, abstruse sculptures,  and boldly textured works of fiber art, the homespun 5 string “Show-Me  Sun Flower” was viewed with curious interest. The BRC founder wondered  how discerning  visitors and staff would receive this folk instrument.

Questions floated about: Is a banjo tinkerer a hobbyist, a craftsman, or an artist? What is art? Where do form and function overlap and diverge? Should an acoustic instrument be valued primarily for its visual presentation, playability, tone, or the music that it  projects; or some combination of all these features?

On the evening before the show opened, the staff held a wine and cheese fundraiser in the exhibit hall for potential buyers to inspect the wares. One seasoned guest puzzled over the Sun Flower and remarked,  “Art is for art`s sake,” and moved on to examine the next work.

Before the end of the sneak preview gala, however, a staff member/artist reserved purchase of the “Show-Me Sunflower”  for pick-up at the end of the weekend exhibit. The bold red dot on the wall sticker title tag indicates the item is sold.

Although the Sun Flower did not garner a ribbon in the art show competition, its unexpected and early sale has prompted the BRC founder to enter his “Swallow-Tailed Kite” banjo (named after the acrobatic bird of prey in the southeastern US) in another local art contest next month. More later.

From the BRC: In the meantime,  y`all keep on pickin`.