Custom Guitar Exhibit at Paramount

(Crystal A. Proxmire)

 

“Steam Punk” meets “Fantastic Funk” for an art exhibit of superstar proportions as  the Custom Guitar Exhibit rocks the galley of Community Arts @ Paramount (inside Paramount Bank, 22635 Woodward). The exhibit features guitars and other instruments designed by two local artists.  The dueling styles of Ferndale inventor Steve Brook and Royal Oak painter Daniel Cascardo make for an eclectic mix of decorated instruments.

 

The collaboration began when Cascardo came to the World Record Breaking Assembly Line Concert at AJ’s Music Café (175 W. 9 Mile).  The concert paid homage to the American auto worker with 13 days of continuous song.  Cascardo was so moved by the event that he gave AJ’s owner AJ O’Neil a specially painted guitar.  Brooks, who helped coordinate the concert, then teamed up with Cascardo to put together a collection.

 

Cascardo is well-known throughout Ferndale as the artist who painted the mural in the pedestrian alley connecting 9 Mile to West Troy, and the Ferndale mural that is partially visible on the side of Rosie O’Grady’s.  He also has painted on just about everything, including canvas.  His musical instruments reflect the bright, funky imagery that is signature in his work.  His website is www.danielcascardo.com.

 

Brook is an inventor who worked for the auto industry for many years before moving on to his own inventions and organizing events at AJ’s.  His guitars look like they might be inventions of their own – with plenty of metals, gears and other mechanical details that best express Brook’s creative side.

 

The exhibit opened on Aug. 20, 2010 and will run through Sept. 24.  Stop into Paramount  weekdays between 9am and 5pm to see! 

 

For more art news go to www.ferndale115.com/art.html.