The Hutchins Consort

The Hutchins Consort plays on the eight scaled violins designed and built by luthier Dr. Carleen Hutchins. The fruits of her labor are the eight Hutchins violins, ranging in size from the 18.5-inch treble to the 7.2-foot contrabass. Like all violins, these instruments capture the emotional element of the music. But they have the additional advantage of being crafted as a complete set with the same harmonic DNA — giving them the ability to produce a unique array of sounds that add a new dimension to the works they perform.

Based in Southern California, the Hutchins Consort brings together a group of extraordinary players to tackle the challenge of adapting the techniques of traditional strings, as well as inventing new techniques, to master the instruments Dr. Hutchins created. This ensemble of gifted musicians redefines the customarily accepted perception of the chamber music concert with programs that combine great works of virtually every musical genre from the Renaissance to Rock. For more info go to www.hutchinsconsort.org

STEPHEN FISHWICK

PAINTING FOR LIFE. THE “FOR LIFE COLLECTION”.

Growing up on a farm in Ohio, Stephen fell in love with animals at a very early age.  Drawing them and painting them, he grew to appreciate their fragility.  In 2007 he produced a high-energy live art painting show featuring endangered animals.  Designed to educate and creatively inspire participation in the plight of endangered animals and environments via an unforgettable explosion of art and imagination.

Since then, Stephen’s vision has led to the development of the For Life Collection of fine art.  Vivid canvasses of endangered animals that seem to simultaneously capture their environments and their very souls.  People are often deeply moved by the images in this collection.  Whether you find Stephen the Pollack of pandas or the Botticelli of Bengal Tigers, you cannot walk away from a For Life Collection painting unaffected.  

“Our goal is for the For Life Collection to directly impact our conservation partners with financial support and global reach in raising awareness for the plight of these beautiful animals,” he says.  Proceeds from paintings sold from the For Life Collection, and from the shows, go to support Stephen’s wildlife conservation partners, such as the San Diego Zoo, Wild Wonders and the San Diego Humane Society.  Since 2007, he has traveled the world with his conservation-focused live art show, educating audiences about the plight of endangered species from the San Diego Zoo to Downtown Disney to Japan and the Middle East. Go to www.stephenfishwick.com