Island Gallery West - April Featured Artist: Jerry Patridge

Our April featured Artist is Jerry Patridge who makes wonderful playable wall art in the form of cigar box guitars.“The cigar boxes come from many sources, materials and ages. Most boxes, and the best sounding, are made from Spanish red cedar. I also make them from humidors.  The cigar box guitar, originally called Diddly Bo’s, has been around since the mid 1700's. Most incorporated broom wire or screen door wire for the string.  The music they wrote and played is still, to this day, called the delta blues.  I got started building cigar box guitars when I received one as a gift.  Even though to this day I still don't play, I just build them.   Most cigar boxes are a work of art in themselves, whether it be the grain of the wood or the picture and logos."Come and meet Jerry and the other artists at the gallery at the opening reception on Friday April 12th as part of Holmes Beach Artwalk.  Refreshments, music and conversation from 5.30-7.30pm - always a fun evening supporting the local art community.