Half-Tone Folk Heroes: Traditional Musicians as Pop Art by Gina Dilg

Illustrations celebrating iconic old-time, bluegrass, country, and folk artists.


On view June through October in the Luthier Shop

Gina Dilg is a Radford, Va. based visual artist and musician who brings a unique perspective to traditional American music. She created this exhibit to pay tribute to the old-time, bluegrass, early country, and folk artists who have inspired generations.

Each illustration in the series is characterized by bold black strokes and a bright color palette achieved by layering halftone dots and lines in only cyan, magenta, yellow, and black.

From bluegrass legends like the Stanley Brothers and Bill Monroe to lesser-known musicians like Joe and Odell Thompson, Samantha Bumgarner, and Etta Baker, Gina’s art pays homage to the greats and shines a light on both well-known and unsung musical heroes.

Dilg was nominated for an International Bluegrass Music Association Momentum Award for Graphic Designer of the Year in 2024. The Momentum Awards recognize both musicians and bluegrass industry professionals who, in the early stages of their careers, are making significant contributions to or are having a significant influence upon bluegrass music.

When she is not creating art, Dilg can be found performing with her husband Jason as a duo in The Lovely Mountaineers and with the string band The Mustard Cutters.

fiddlesmcgee.com

Events


Midday Mountain Music
Saturday, June 1, 12 to 3 p.m., Covered Breezeway

Prior to the opening reception, Gina and Jason Dilg will perform at Midday Mountain Music. Based in the rolling hills of southwest Virginia, the duo plays the foot-stomping dance tunes and old country ballads of the American string band repertoire.

 

Opening Reception
Saturday, June 1, 3 to 4 p.m., Luthier Shop and Covered Breezeway

Join the Blue Ridge Music Center for an opening reception in honor of the exhibit, Half-Tone Folk Heroes: Traditional Musicians as Pop. Light refreshments provided.

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