If you came away from AREA 506 with warm fuzzy feelings, fond memories, and a ringing in your ears you’re probably doing alright, but if you need something more tangible the festival have just the opportunity for you. AREA 506 are currently auctioning off a wooden replica guitar autographed by the festival’s headliners. The festival will be donating the proceeds of the auction to United Way Saint John, Kings & Charlotte.
“We wanted to do something one-of-a-kind to auction off for United Way, and when we saw the image of the guitar that Joel made, we knew it was the kind of unique item that friends of AREA 506 would appreciate it,” says AREA 506 organizer Ray Gracewood.
The life-size guitar was carved by New Brunswick wood sculptor Joel Palmer, aka Swamp Bear, and is autographed by AREA 506 2018 headliners Arkells, Big Wreck, The Glorious Sons, JULY TALK, and The New Pornographers.
“Getting it signed by the bands wasn’t an issue at all. They were all happy to help, so much so that Ian Thornley from Big Wreck actually asked where he could get one for himself!”
Swamp Bear has worked as a wood sculptor for seven years now, operating out of Browns Flat, New Brunswick. He employs the time honoured practice of carving his sculptures by utilizing the most nuanced of tools: the humble chainsaw.
“The project was made to give back to the 506 community. Art to me is a journey of self-discovery and challenge” says Palmer. “I have been given a gift and I work at it everyday. The universe has blessed me and I want to give back and inspire others to do so in their own way.”
This was United Way’s first year partnering with Area 506, and they report that the experience was, “awesome!”
“It was a real community building opportunity, bringing together many different volunteers for a fun experience while raising money for their community,” says Wendy MacDermott, the Executive Director of United Way Saint John, Kings & Charlotte. “It was a partnership of local supporting local and it keeps on giving with the auction of the signed wooden guitar.”
The online auction began on August 29th, and runs for a month, ending on September 29th 2018, 11:45 PM ADT. For more information on the auction, or more importantly to bid on it, click here.