Woodstock’s 2002 Guitar Sculptures

In 2002 the Woodstock New York Chamber of Commerce & Arts put out a call for guitar sculptures via competitive entry as part of the 100th anniversary celebration of Woodstock as a colony of the arts. The ten winning sculptures were unveiled in May of 2002, and positioned at various locations throughout the village of Woodstock. They were hugely popular with visitors and residents alike, and were featured by Sotheby’s/eBay in an online special auction of rock ‘n’ roll collectibles and Beatles memorabilia that took place October 31 though November 10, 2002.



"Heavenly Beatles," 2002 by Michael Hunt

Measurements: 96” high x 36” wide x 10” deep
Weight: 150 lbs.
Materials: Base (Vox Amp)—concrete, plywood, foam and stainless steel.
Rickenbacker guitar—Spanish cedar, latex paint and stainless steel.
Guitar strings—17 gauge galvanized electric fence wire.

Inspiration: “A tribute to John Lennon and George Harrison, the late great Beatles guitarists, for all they’ve given to the world.”

Michael Hunt was conceived at the Woodstock Festival in Bethel, NY and born in Honesdale, PA in 1970. His work, known as Cosmic American Art, is a generous mix of pop, folk and history.

“The Beatles take the notion of a generation gap and smash it right to bits. They will be listened to forever. I just wanted to honor the two [Beatles] guitarists for all they’ve given the universe, and how they were always choosing love over fear. The piece sort of evolved into a very realistic version of their equipment…Vox…Rickenbacker. It’s all very familiar and really works as a tribute. There’re so many statues honoring generals and politicians—here’s a memorial of a different kind, honoring the things that make us want to live in the first place.”

Location:Rock City Rd,Woodstock,United States