Memphis GuitarTown

Memphis GuitarTown is a Gibson Foundation public arts project featuring 10-foot tall artistically customized Gibson Lucille sculptures and actual-sized Gibson Lucille guitars on display in Memphis from September 2016 through March 2017. The project celebrates Memphis' musical history and contributions. Twenty 10-foot tall Gibson Lucille guitar sculptures and a number of actual unfinished Lucille guitars will be customized by visual artists from the Memphis region, partnered and signed by celebrities, sponsored by Memphis companies, and strategically placed throughout the city. After several months on display, the sculptures and guitars will be auctioned off at a gala event, with net proceeds benefiting the Memphis Charitable Foundation and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Selected artists will pick up sculptures between June 17-27 and have until mid-October to complete their customizations. Artists must submit renderings of the front and back of their proposed design, a minimum of 5 images of previous work, and a description of materials. Each artist receives the same guitar shape—either a 10-foot Gibson Lucille fiberglass sculpture or an unfinished wooden Lucille guitar. Artists may paint, sculpt, or adorn using any medium while maintaining structural integrity. Sculptures must be finished to withstand outdoor elements. There is no application fee.

Selected artists will receive stipends: $750 for 10-foot sculpture customization or $150 for actual guitar customization, both for use at a Memphis art supply store for paint and supplies only. Additional materials are the artist's responsibility. Two local Memphis artists, Lamar Sorrento and Brandon Marshall, have been invited to customize the first two sculptures, to be unveiled September 16th in honor of BB King's birthday.