WEIGHING in at 1.8 tonnes, you could say it’s a heavy metal tribute to country music.
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You might be waiting a while before the likes of Metallica are lighting up the stage at TRECC, but next time you’re in Bicentennial Park, you’ll get a look at the region’s latest homage to Tamworth’s musical heritage.
Peter Hooper is the man behind the 6.3 metre-tall Picasso Guitar sculpture recently installed in the Kable Ave park and he even thought it was a tall order.
I thought ‘you’re dreaming’, that’ll never happen, it’ll cost too much.
- Artist Peter Hooper
“I put in a number of proposals and the committee selected the guitar,” he told The Leader.
“At that stage, I thought ‘you’re dreaming’, that’ll never happen, it’ll cost too much.”
But the design – which was brought to life by Gary Gracie and B&G Fabrications – is here to stay.
Mr Hooper knows there will be some naysayers along the way.
“It’s a public artwork, so some will hate it, some will like it and many will be indifferent about it,” Mr Hooper said. “It’s nice that it evokes a response one way or another.”
Mr Hooper is keen to hear Troy Cassar-Daley’s thoughts, who will unveil the sculpture.
“He’s an avid collector of guitars, so it will be interesting to hear what he has to say,” he said.