Run for the Art!

The Run for the Brass 5K is nearly as old as the Brass Band Festival itself. This year,

the committee —headed up by Rick Serres — wanted to put a truly local touch on the event. The festival is a celebration of all things art from the Gallery Hop to the music to children’s activities and the decorations at the picnic.

The first run that was organized and held used custom-designed mugs by artist Paul Muth as awards to the overall and age group winners. Muth came to Danville to attend Centre College and set up shop, building his ceramic business and serving on the Arts Commission of Danville/Boyle County Board and the Community Arts Center’s board. 

For this year’s run, the organizers again turned to local artists for an original take on what the winners would receive.

Glass artist Roni Gilpin suggested a versatile piece which could be displayed as a sun catcher or a tree ornament. Gilpin,

along with Marie Taylor  — who also works with glass — built the pieces tiny bit by tiny bit in Gilpin’s studio. 

Each step of the process involves multiple, hand-cut and applied bits of glass, which are fired in a kiln for approximately eight hours and then cooled before they can be handled. 

The design required a special, fusible glass which is made only by a few companies in the United States. The limited availability of the glass left little room for error in the construction and firing. 

To complicate the design, small holes had to be drilled in the glass to allow for ribbons and award cards.

Graphics design assistance for the awards cards was provided by Robert Orndorff to complete the music theme.

The Run for the Brass will be 8 a.m. Saturday, June 2. A new route has been planned this year — the run will begin and end in the area of Centre College. 

For registration information, contact Danville Bike & Footwear. Same-day registration is available.

In other news

• The Arts Commission’s “Building a Community of Artist Entrepreneurs” has met its Fund for the Arts match goal.  Artists and emerging artists may apply for the program by contacting Mimi Becker at arts@historicdanvilleky.com. 

• The Tour D’ville Bike Ride will be held 3 p.m. Saturday and interested participants should meet at Weisiger Park Plaza. The featured arts organization is Pioneer Playhouse, which opens its summer season June 8. Visit pioneerplayhouse.com for more information on its dinners and shows.