Jackson Piano Brings Sound of Music to Rockford in Grand Opening Celebration of Art and Music

Artist Ingrid Neuhofer Dohm and Jackson Piano Store in Rockford, IL are combining their artistic interest. They will launch their joint effort by an open house displaying fine art work and music.

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The Rockford Register Star

Jackson Piano Brings Sound of Music to Rockford in
Grand Opening Celebration of Art and Music

May 30, 2001, Rockford, IL—You dont have to land at Mozart Airport this month to see the romantic cityscapes, abundance of flowers, and rich landscapes of Salzburg, Austria. Jackson Piano Store has decided to blend the art of Austrian-born Ingrid Neuhofer Dohm with the music of Jackson Piano in a kickoff grand opening, Saturday, June 16th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Ron Larsen, owner of Jackson Piano Store is inviting the general public, and especially art and music lovers, to a celebration launching the Jackson Gallery, where attendees may view dozens of Ms. Dohms paintings, many of which will remain at Jackson in the new gallery created for their customers.
I knew it was time for Jackson to do something different to give that value- added service we have always strived to give our customers. Art and music just go together. After thinking about this, I realized that we have, resident in Rockford, the

perfect international artist to achieve this goal. Ingrid Dohm has been rising in the world of art, where patrons in both the United States and Europe appreciate her art. It seemed especially delightful to focus on her native Salzburg area, where so much of her artwork is concentrated—landscapes and architecture made familiar to many in the film story of the Von Trapp family. The Salzburg area also has obvious musical connections—Mozarts birthplace, Felix Mendelssohns family home, Papa Hayden and so many others."
Ms. Dohm takes us to Austrias romantic land via dozens of fresh acrylic and watercolor paintings of the regions foliage, rooftops, steeples, castles, and even St. Peters, the monastery where the Von Trapp family found refuge in the true story of Maria Von Trapp.
   I came from a nearby small town," says Ms. Dohm, and always loved Salzburg—the big city. I travel to Austria annually to paint on location.
I must paint on location," she explains. I am inspired by the Baroque domes, the old-world cathedrals, the towns shops, and of course the natural setting of the Salzach River and its dreamy scenery. Everything around Salzburg is dreamlike. Since my style is impressionistic and representational, I naturally love to paint this area."
One of her favorite castles is the home of her friend Sissy Max Theurer, a former Olympic gold medallist in equestrian competition. The home, formerly owned by composer Felix Mendelssohns family.
In Rockford I have to go the store for flowers. In Austria, I can pick wildflowers everywhere. I love the wild things."

Austrias lakes provide lovely reflections that change constantly with the light. I go to the Lake Region—Salzkammergut—to paint trees, flowers, and the hills."
Ms. Dohm has strong feelings about the current art trends in Europe. Europe is into ugly right now. I like to celebrate happiness and surround myself with joyful images. I am not painting for the museum. I like dancing on the canvas with my paintbrush. My pictures are for the home—to make people feel good."
Jackson Piano Stores Grand Opening will feature entertainment provided by the Mendelssohn Club Chandler Starr Miller scholarship winners. The talented students will grace some of Jacksons grand instruments and some will also play string and orchestral instruments.
   The merchant community in the Alpine/State Street area has been enthusiastic about supporting the new Jacksons Gallery and have provided light refreshments for the event from Café Le LeVau and Fazolis in Colonial Mall, Marys Bistro on State Street, and Great Harvest Bread Co. bakery on Alpine; flowers for Ms. Dohms painting from Crimson Ridge Florist; and invitations printed by Courier Printing in Rockford. There will also be door prizes from other area merchants.
   The public is invited to drop in for the open-house-style event from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The first fifty to attend will receive a small, signed original, painted especially for them by Ingrid Neuhofer Dohm. (One to a family, please.) Please call Halina at Jackson Piano Store for additional information: 398-8474.