Steve Wariner Re-Tunes Brad Paisley Guitar Into Piece of Art

Steve Wariner loves guitars and is highly regarded as one of Nashville's preeminent players of the instrument. Now, the celebrated musician is saluting his fellow Grand Ole Opry member -- and another supremely gifted guitarist -- Brad Paisley, by turning one of Brad's flood-damaged guitars into a work of art. The finished product will be offered up for auction on May 3, during the anniversary celebration for ReTune Nashville.

ReTune Nashville was founded by photographer Sheri O'Neal in May 2010 just after the devastating flood which ravaged much of Music City and middle Tennessee that same month. The mission of the organization is to provide relief to uninsured musicians in the industry through the sale of artwork created from flood damaged musical gear.

"I salute ReTune Nashville for leading this initiative to help my fellow musicians," says Steve. "I'm honored that they asked me to create a piece of visual art from my good friend Brad's guitar."

"We've been holding on to Brad Paisley's flood damaged guitar for several months, waiting to partner with the right artist," says Sheri. "I couldn't think of a better visual artist to work on Brad's guitar than Steve Wariner. This piece will capture the essence of two extraordinary guitarists and the spirit of Nashville, and it will be a piece of art to be celebrated."

Steve Wariner is the reigning Grammy champ in the Best Country Instrumental category, for 'Producer's Medley,' from the album 'My Tribute to Chet Atkins,' celebrating his mentor, whose nickame was "Mister Guitar."

"It sounds so goofy saying it," Steve told The Boot after his Grammy win. "It's cliché, but just to be nominated was awesome -- particularly with it being the Chet project -- but also because it's our first nomination on our own little label. It's extra special because of that. The part that's really awesome for me always is turning the machines on and putting it on tape, and that's what Chet loved more than anything is the creating, that's the fun part."

Steve's finished artwork will up for auction at ReTune Nashville's Anniversary Celebration to be held May 3, 2011, at Soundcheck, the facility which housed many of the instruments and other gear destroyed in the flood. All proceeds from the sale of the guitar art will be distributed to qualifying musicians via MusiCares Nashville Flood Relief and the Nashville Musicians Association Flood Relief Fund.

More artwork created from flood damaged instruments is currently available for auction and can be viewed by clicking here.

Download Steve Wariner Songs | Buy Steve Wariner Albums