CENTER VALLEY, Pa. — Three of Penn State Lehigh Valley’s faculty and staff members were invited to participate in the Allentown Symphony Association's Painted Violin Auction, which featured work by more than a dozen local artists.
Ron De Long, instructor in art at Penn State Lehigh Valley; Ann Lalik, instructor in metal work, gallery director and arts coordinator at Penn State Lehigh Valley; and Corianne Thompson, instructor in ceramics and art education and faculty affairs coordinator at Penn State Lehigh Valley; each painted a violin, which are on display in the windows of Miller Symphony Hall in Allentown until Oct. 1.
“It is always a pleasure to support our excellent arts organizations in the Lehigh Valley,” said Lalik. “And this is such a special occasion celebrating Diane Wittry’s 20 year anniversary!”
All artists donated their time and talent to create one-of-a-kind works that will be sold to benefit the Allentown Symphony Association. Each violin represents the unique vision of the artist. Since most of Thompson’s recent work is three-dimensional, she decided to not only paint her violin, but also add porcelain pieces to the surface.
“Much of my ceramic art incorporates sea-inspired forms and I wanted that to come across in the final piece. The addition of the clear glass beads on the strings adds a kinetic element to the violin as well as creates a sound element. I really enjoyed being a part of this fundraiser for the Symphony and being able to help support the arts in the Lehigh Valley."
Violins will be auctioned off at Diane Wittry's 20th Anniversary Tribute & Benefit Dinner on Oct. 1, at which time guests will have an opportunity to bid in the Symphony's Painted Violin Auction.
All 16 violins and the one cello that will be auctioned off can be viewed at the Allentown Symphony's website.