If you love both music and the visual arts, an unusual fundraiser melds your two passions in order to benefit kids. Nationally known artists donated their time and talent to paint unplayable violins in their distinctive styles. The resulting one-of-a-kind works of art will be raffled off in May as part of "Art of Note," benefiting the Madison-based Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras (WYSO).

Eleven artists are participating in "Art of Note," including Doug Haynes, Fujiko Isomura, Lee Weiss and Richard Lazzaro. Check ArtofNote.org to find a complete list of artists, biographical information about them, plus photographs of their violins and information about raffle ticket sales.

Many of the artists seem motivated by their personal experiences with music and express pleasure at using their art to support a worthy cause. Comments Lois Mueller, "With a background in music and the art of rosemaling, the honor of being invited to be a part of this event seemed a perfect fit. The planning, the creation of the design and the completion of the violin has been a joy." William Wiley enthuses, "Magic music! Jumps right into the ear, heart, and...moves us to love, laughter and tears, as will good art."

The fundraising project grew out of the need to meet the continuing challenge of providing excellent musical opportunities for youth. All proceeds will support WYSO programs. WYSO consists of four orchestras involving about 360 children in grades 5 through 12. All WYSO students participate in three concerts per season. Students from over 80 schools in 44 Wisconsin communities participate in WYSO orchestras. Many former participants have gone on to successful careers in music.

"Art of Note" violins are on display now through the raffle date of May 22, 2004; see the listings below for further information. All display events are free and open to the public, and winners need not be present at the raffle.

This unique collaboration presents a prime opportunity for art collectors and supporters of arts education. Through this program, one artistic discipline supports another, for the good of Wisconsin's kids.

March 7
Special Preview
Lynn Harrell WYSO Reception, 3 - 5 p.m.
Tripp Commons, Memorial Union, UW-Madison
800 Landgon St., Madison

March 9 through March 19
Promega Corporation
2800 Woods Hollow Road, Fitchburg
Reception March 9, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

March 22 through April 2
Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters
1922 University Avenue, Madison
Reception March 26, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

April 5 through April 16
Wisconsin Arts Board, first floor
101 E. Wilson Street, Madison

April 19 through May 21
Grace Chosy Gallery
1825 Monroe Street, Madison
Reception April 23, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

May 22
Art of Note Raffle, Reception and Auctions
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Lathrop Hall, UW-Madison
1050 University Avenue, Madison