About Us

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Guitars of Hope was established in 2022 as a fund raising partnership between Bicoastal Media Radio and Pelican Bay State Prison both located in Crescent City, CA.

Background:   Bicoastal Media Radio Stations typically hold events and concerts as fund raisers for St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, but that wasn’t possible during the pandemic. So, an idea took shape! Thomas (Thom) Hutzell, a CCII Specialist at Pelican Bay State Prison,  pitched his ‘Guitars Of Hope’ Charity Auction idea to wife, Rene’ Shanle-Hutzell from Bicoastal Media-which launched an exciting effort led by the Inmate Mural Artists at Pelican Bay: Guitars Of Hope for St Jude Kids.

Working in rehabilitative programming, the highlight of Thom’s day was walking through the hallways, watching the Mural Artist Team at work. Creative and Gifted Artists who desired to give back to the community, through their art, but didn’t have an opportunity. ‘Guitars Of Hope’ became that opportunity. Through much administrative approval and employee support including the full support of Warden Jim Robertson, Thom was able to bring 6 acoustic guitars to the Mural Team. The Artists were given the challenge of creating, designing and then hand painting 6 unique works of art. Working with nothing but pictures for reference, the magic unfolded, layer by layer.

A total of 9 Artists worked on the design, painting and finish of the first ever ‘Guitars Of Hope’.

Hand painted works of art that would be sold for charity.

The enthusiasm grew throughout Pelican Bay State Prison, as the Artists worked over 4 months on the project.

Ultimately, the 6 Guitars of Hope were auctioned off on eBay for Charity March 25, 2022, raising $11,150.00  for St Jude Kids!

This project wouldn’t be possible without the support of Pelican Bay State Prison, Bicoastal Media Radio and the talent of the Mural Artist Team. We thank our Artists for their time, devotion and passion for creating Guitars of Hope 2022.

We look forward to making this an annual fund raiser for various charities and hope the program inspires other institutions to implement such a program.                                     It’s been a WIN-WIN-WIN opportunity.