For the last 12 years, the Bayfield High School National Art Honor Society has brought creativity and community together through a unique collaboration with the Be FRANK Foundation — transforming old violins into one-of-a-kind works of art.
Each fall, Be FRANK donates used violins to the BHS art program for students to paint and decorate. This year, seven instruments were provided for the project, offering young artists a creative challenge and a canvas unlike any other.
“The students love painting on violins because it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said BHS art teacher Kathleen Neal. “It’s such a special way for them to share their art with the community while supporting a great cause.”
The finished violins will be auctioned off at the Be FRANK Foundation’s annual Frank n’ Stein Festival, set for Saturday, October 18, at Joe Stephenson Park in Bayfield. The event runs from 12 to 6 p.m., featuring performances from twelve student ensembles, a costume contest, family games, and more.
Art With a Purpose
The project is more than just an art exercise — it’s an authentic learning experience that connects directly to Bayfield High School’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) goals.
Be FRANK not only showcases the violins but also ensures that each participating student artist receives a portion of the auction proceeds — typically $50 per artist.
“That generosity makes a big impression,” Neal said. “It helps students realize they can earn money with their art, whether as a career or as supplementary income. It’s a great example of how creativity and community support can come together to make something meaningful.”
A Shared Mission in the Arts
The Be FRANK Foundation promotes youth engagement through the power of music, encouraging creativity, accountability, practice, and ensemble. The organization now offers 23 programs across 13 school sites in La Plata County, serving around 300 students between the ages of 6 and 14.
Its annual Frank n’ Stein Festival celebrates that mission — highlighting student musicians and artists, and bringing the community together in a day of fun, music, and creativity.
“Through this partnership, our students see firsthand how art and music strengthen our community,” Neal said. “It’s something they’ll remember long after they graduate.”