Fiddles are created & painted by students and local artists to support the Blythewood High Orchestra program. The Painted Fiddle Project originates with the creator, Sherry Trusty. She began this project in 2009 while her daughter was in the Blythewood High School Orchestra. She utilized this creative effort to raise money for the orchestra program through the sale of painted fiddles. She is still
an active artist in the community and more details can be found on her website: mytrustyartist.com. We are grateful for her innovative spirit in getting this project started and we are honored to be continuing the tradition to this day! The project has been continued as a fundraiser for the orchestra program these past several years. One student leads the program each year putting their own spin on how to design, sell, and have outreach into our community. The project works closely with the National Art Honors Society and other local artists to have the fiddles painted. Each concert the orchestra gives, they auction 10-12 fiddles via The Painted Fiddle Project page. All proceeds from this fundraiser go directly back to the orchestra program and help fund a scholarship for a deserving local student to attend the String Project Summer Camp. The money is also used to purchase necessary equipment, sheet music, and supplies for the program. The fiddles are hand-cut by Julie Anne Russell and her father in his woodshop in Greenville, SC. Frequently Asked Questions:
- How does the auction work? Once the auction starts, each picture of a fiddle will have a starting bid price. You will then comment your name and your new bid price. Bids must increase by $2 each time.
- What happens at the end of the auction? If you are the winner, then you will be contacted directly to set up payment and pick-up info.
- How can I pay for the fiddle? Currently, you can either mail a check/cash or if you are related to a student at BHS, the price for the fiddle will appear on their student account. Fiddles must be paid for within 3 business days or it will be set back up on the auction.
- Do you take custom orders? You are certainly welcome to message/email your custom design idea and we will send it off to our artists to see if we can take on the project. Details such as art specifics and pricing will be communicated on a case-by-case basis.
