Yo New York! 'Art of the Guitar' exhibit opens at Madison Avenue gallery

"Art of the Guitar", an exhibit featuring over 30 celebrated Gibson acoustic and electric "art" guitars, debuts tonight with a private party and silent auction at an exclusive Madison Avenue art gallery. Thursday the exhibit is open to the public for a four-week run at Magidson Fine Art Gallery, 1070 Madison Ave. at 81st St. (212-288-0666).

Sponsored by Tommy Hilfiger and Gibson Musical Instruments, the exhibit includes many one-of-a-kind, traditional and contemporary instruments with art photographs of music legends and guitar heroes who played them. They include Gibson Montana's set of 3 John Lennon J-160E acoustics, one-of-a-kind Elvis, Chet Atkins, and Merle Travis carved tops created by master luthiers from Gibson's Custom*Art*Historic division, a J-45 played by Janis Joplin, and special reproductions of Chuck Berry's ES-335 and Jimi Hendrix's SG that they played in photographs also on display and for sale. Noted photographers' works include images by Mick Rock, Bob Gruen, and Lynn Goldsmith.

The debut party tonight will feature a silent auction with proceeds donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Celebrities from the world of fashion and music are expected to attend the grand opening including Michael Stipe (REM) and members of Blue Oyster Cult.

Call Magidson Gallery at 212-288-0666 for more information.