In early March, close to 125 artists, musicians and community members came together for Musical Chairs 2017, a joint fundraiser at the Durham Arts Council to support The Scrap Exchange and Durham Medical Orchestra. Twelve artists adorned old chairs in a style inspired by the orchestra, which were presented to a panel of judges who awarded prizes to the best in show at the gala. Then the decorated chairs were auctioned off to guests, with proceeds from the event – about $7,000 – going to benefit both organizations.
Musical Chairs coordinating committee member Kathy Silbiger and Scrap Exchange Board of Directors President Ellen Ciompi. Photo by Bobbie Hardaker.
Artist Blaise Kielar shows off his “Musical Ice Cream Chair” before it is auctioned by Hank Williams (right). Photo by Mohamed Ibrahim.
Photo by Mohamed Ibrahim.
“Chairllo” by Ed Dougherty. Photo by Bobbie Hardaker.
“Trumpet in Greenery,” the winner of the People’s Choice Award, presented by volunteers from the Duke APO Service Fraternity. Photo by Mohamed Ibrahim.
“Mellow Yellow Cello” by Dick Clendaniel. Photo by Bobbie Hardaker.
Ellen Ciompi with Musical Chairs judges Eric Pritchard, violinist with Ciompi Quartet; Kathryn DeMarco, artist and master framer at Craven Allen Gallery – House of Frames; and Shana Adams, director of Creative Arts in Public & Private Schools for the Durham Arts Council. Photo by Bobbie Hardaker.
Artist Blaise Kielar shows off his “Musical Ice Cream Chair” before it is auctioned by Hank Williams (right). Photo by Mohamed Ibrahim.
Photo by Bobbie Hardaker.
Musical Chairs coordinating committee member Kathy Silbiger and Scrap Exchange Board of Directors President Ellen Ciompi. Photo by Bobbie Hardaker.
Amanda MacLaren is the executive editor of Durham Magazine. Born in Mesa, Arizona, she grew up in Charlotte and attended UNC-Chapel Hill, majoring in journalism. She’s lived in Durham for eight years. When she’s not at work, you can usually find her with a beer in hand at Fullsteam, Dain’s Place or Bull City Burger or getting takeout from Guasaca.
