Painted Axe Exhibit Opens at Jacksonville International Airport

    JACKSONVILLE, FL, January 06, 2018 /24-7PressRelease/ -- As part of the Jacksonville International Airport Arts Commission ongoing efforts to showcase local artists, Painted Axe just opened a three-month exhibit at the JAX Airport that extends through March 2018.

Located on the Connector Bridge between ticketing and the TSA security checkpoint, display cases feature newly custom painted guitars geared toward a wide variety of interests. All guitars are for sale with a portion of the proceeds returning to the JIA Arts Commission for future artistic efforts.

"This is a very unique and challenging opportunity," said Michael Gauf, owner artisan for Painted Axe. "Over 480,000 passengers come and go through JAX Airport monthly. Not all are from Jacksonville or, for that matter, Florida residents. As a result, artistic themes had to be somewhat universal, but still provocative enough to prompt a passerby to stop or slow down and review."

Travelers keen on muscle cars, regional music, serene landscapes, the '60s culture and an unconventional look should stop by before their next flight or as they pick up their bags. So, on your next visit, feast your eyes on:

- Southern Rock - Epiphone SG celebrates the brashness and uniqueness of Southern rock-n-roll. Muddied all-terrain truck tire marks are accented by a bronze U.S. belt buckle routed into the body and bookended by two Magnolia blooms. A custom clear pickguard preserves the Southern charm.
* Gifting a Gator gig bag
* Price: $850.00

- '68 Vette - Epiphone Les Paul Jr. pays homage to the 50th anniversary of the 1968 Corvette. Painted in the original Rally Red, the guitar also has an aftermarket '68 hood emblem routed into the body, a custom clear pickguard, muscle-car sleekness and showroom shine.
* Gifting a Gator gig bag and '68 Corvette sales brochure
* Price: $675.00

- Palm Rise - Martin DXMAE presents a breathtaking iridescent and fluorescent-like sunrise buoyed by a majestic palm silhouette. You don't have to be a Parrothead to soak in the sun, beach and cool breeze.
* Gifting a Gator gig bag
* Price: $1,250.00

- Dig Those Dots - Ibanez Talman offers a flashback to 1960s. Close your eyes and you'll easily see a Formica diner-style dining set, green wool sofa and polka dot wallpaper. Far out!
* Gifting a Gator gig bag
* Price: $1,250.00

"These guitars, while works of art, do not have to be hung on a wall and admired," said Gauf. "They are all performance ready, with many coats of clear coat for protection and preservation. We'd rather have you strumming on them at open-mic night or shredding away at the Friday night gig."

You do not have to be an airport visitor to purchase a guitar. If you like what you see, visit the commission's website at www.jiarts.com, call 904-741-3546 or email the program coordinator [email protected]. Additionally, Painted Axe accepts commissions.

The JIA exhibit is the third show for Painted Axe, with the previous two taking place in 2012 and 2010 in Indianapolis. Painted Axe also was included in the 2010 Indianapolis Local Artist Exhibition sponsored by then Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard.

For more than 15 years, Painted Axe has crafted branded, one-of-kind guitars for special events, festivals and musicians. Many guitars are commissioned for fundraising (raffles, silent auctions, crowd funding). Clients include: Blues man John Lee Hooker Jr., LA Rocker Ronny North, Night Ranger guitarist Keri Kelli,The King Biscuit Blues Festival and The Summer Camp Festival, to mention a few. [email protected] 904.282.3433 PaintedAxe.com

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