Local Business Owner Wins Woodworking Club Creation

The auction for the ESCC YES! Guitar, created by the college’s Woodworking and Carving Club, culminated on Thursday October 12, with a winning bid placed by local businessman Bert LeCato, owner and operator of InTuneGP in Onancock. InTuneGP is one of the music industry’s most popular producers of custom guitar picks and provides picks for some of the world’s most successful artists.

LeCato saw the original creation by Dr. Alex Foxworthy and Heather Littlefield of ESCC at the recent ESVA ChamberFest in Onancock.  He noted, “The fact that it’s a 7-foot guitar was an immediate draw, but seeing the artistic representation of the Eastern Shore combined with the craftsmanship, we were immediately interested in finding it a new home.”

Even with the majority of InTuneGP’s business clientele originating from off the Shore, there is still a sincere interest in supporting the community, attested to by the fact that LeCato maintains a store front to accommodate musicians who may need the essentials, such as strings, cables, etc. “We recognized the resource that Eastern Shore Community College is for many, and love supporting an effort like this that will benefit the creativity and skills being developed in Dr. Foxworthy’s club at the school” added LeCato.

“We certainly appreciate Bert’s generosity and enthusiasm for our club and project” says Dr. Foxworthy, who started the Woodworking and Carving Club on campus last year. “It’s very cool that someone so connected to music and the guitar industry itself becomes the owner of the piece. The club is very excited for the funds raised that will offer members more resources to continue projects and grow our group activities.”

ESCC President Dr. Jim Shaeffer was disappointed to have been beaten in the bidding process, but acknowledges the excitement and interest the guitar has generated in the community. He commented “When the concept of this creation was first discussed, we had no idea of how it would so nicely symbolize so much about the Shore and ESCC.  The inclusion of our “YES!” logo is such a good fit with the artful imagery that Heather employed, complimenting Alex’s craftsmanship.”

The ESCC YES! Guitar will soon be on display at the entrance of InTuneGP in Onancock on Market Street.