Martin Guitar donates $20,000 one-of-a-kind guitar to Christie's for 2010 inaugural "Green Auction"

guitarz.blogspot.com:
[NB: I don't normally like posting press releases here on Guitarz, but the notion of a guitar being worth $20,000, whilst quite obscene, makes it worthy of mention. It's a stunning looking guitar too - and so it should be! At least Martin are doing the right thing with their donation to this auction. - GLW]

STAR-STUDDED EVENT TO BE HELD ON EARTH DAY, APRIL 22

PROCEEDS FROM AUCTION TO BENEFIT CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL, OCEANA, NATURAL RESOURCES DEFENSE COUNCIL AND THE CENTRAL PARK CONSERVANCY
[That's enough upper case now, thanks. - GLW]

Nazareth, PA – February 22, 2010 – In tune with Martin Guitar’s environmental philosophy, C.F. Martin & Co. has donated a rare 000 12-fret Peter Cree Certified Wood Guitar (photo attached) to Christie’s International, the world’s leading art business, for their upcoming “A Bid to Save the Earth” Green Auction.

This first-of-its-kind charity auction will take place on April 22, 2010 to coincide with the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. Proceeds from the sale will be divided among four leading not-for-profit environmental organizations: Conservation International, Oceana, Natural Resources Defense Council and the Central Park Conservancy. All four beneficiary organizations are 4-Star rated by CharityNavigator.org, its highest rating for not-for-profit organizations.

Estimated in value at $20,000, the one-of-a-kind Martin Custom Shop 000 12-fret Peter Cree Certified Wood Guitar features original Southwestern artwork executed in hand-applied colored lacquers by renowned painter/sculptor Peter Cree. Known for developing and incorporating a decorative finishing technique intended for high-quality acoustic instruments, Cree’s work has been highly sought-after across the country for his creation of new pieces, as well as his expert restorations of fine art and instruments.

Constructed with 100% Certified tonewoods from ecologically well-managed forests, the 000 12-fret Peter Cree Certified Wood Guitar features Chechen headplate, back and sides; a four-piece Adirondack top; Katalox fingerboard and bridge; cherry neck, front and rear block; basswood ribbon linings and braces; and artistic inlays of Micarta, cherry and turquoise.

“For nearly two decades, we at Martin Guitar have been devoted to pioneering a movement of ecological responsibility within the guitar industry,” said Chris Martin IV. “C.F. Martin & Co. is proud to have contributed such an artistically creative and ecologically symbolic instrument in support of charitable environmental initiatives through this special Christie's auction.”

Held at Christie’s, Rockefeller Center, New York and carried live globally via Christie’s LIVE™ on www.christies.com.

The Evening Sale will be a star-studded event with top celebrities serving on the Green Auction Host Committee that includes: Leonardo DiCaprio, Harrison Ford, Tobey Maguire, François-Henri Pinault, Salma Hayek, Bob Fisher, Candice Bergen, Ed Norton, Evelyn Lauder, Alec Baldwin, Zaha Hadid, Brooke Shields, and Matt Lauer. Additional lots for auction will include major works from artists, coveted celebrity experiences, upscale eco-vacations and exquisite jewelry.

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