Woodside Music Studio: A Gift to Gus

Amy Klinger organiseert deze inzamelingsactie namens Bob Gherardi.

Beschermde donatie

Many of us who grew up or lived in the Park Ridge area received the gift of music from Woodside Music Studios. Those who did, know that the studio's owner, master teacher and heart and soul is Gus Baxter.

Some of you may also know former resident and amazing artist, Bob Gherardi: https://www.gherardi.com/ Tapping his childhood hometown for subjects, Bob recently shared a painting of Woodside on social media. Yes, that is the actual painting above, not a photograph!

As an ex-Woodside guitar student and high school employee, inviting generations of students and staff to pitch in to purchase the painting for Gus seemed like the perfect tribute and expression of thanks for being such a centerpiece of our community.

The painting is acrylic on board, 21" x 27". It will arrive custom framed and ready for Gus to display. The cost is $2,600 (generously discounted from what it would be sold for in the gallery). Any size donation is greatly appreciated...and, do not feel pressured! I know these are tough financial times for everyone (especially for all you musicians).

Here is Bob's write-up about what inspired the painting:

"To go anywhere I'd have to pass Woodside. It's been on the edge of the center of my hometown since I moved there in 1976. My friend Doug lived in the apartment on top. Many days after school were spent in his room with him playing guitar, us listening to classic rock and him schooling me on why Page and Hendrix are the rock gods they are. He had the bright idea of building a boxing ring in the garage. It was shut down in about 2 weeks by the owner, Gus, as a crowd of high school kids waiting outside to see the bouts of the day wasn't good for business. I miss seeing you every day, Woodside."

After 20+ years, I have almost no contact with those who might be interested in donating, so I'm counting on all of you to pass along this link and help get the momentum we need. Also, let's please keep this a secret from Gus until we can deliver the painting, so if you share the link on social media and are connected to either Gus or Woodside Music Studio, please determine how to hide the post from both of them, or simply pass along the link via email.

Reach out if you have any questions.

Thank you so much for considering making a donation.
Amy Klinger (formerly Amy Cohen, PRHS Class of 89)