Special Assignment
Waukesha to become a Gibson GuitarTown
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Courtny Gerrish reports Video by tmj4.com
video
WAUKESHA - 80-year-old Bill Taylor may have retired from engineering years ago, but his artistic spirit continues to grow everyday as he helps in his son's art warehouse.
"I think I love it because it's a way to express myself," Bill exclaims.
Self Expression... a sentiment that is also close to guitar legend and Waukesha native, the late Les Paul.
Bill adds, "I appreciate music, and I remember being particularly impressed with (Les Paul's song) 'How High The Moon.'"
That famous Les Paul tune is the inspiration for Bill's latest work of art--just one of 30 different artistic guitars soon to be on display in downtown Waukesha.
Norm Bruce is chairman of the Waukesha GuitarTown Committee. He says, "It's all about a public arts project that really celebrates Gibson and the public art, along with really the memory and legacy of Les Paul."
Waukesha is the newest city to be named a Gibson GuitarTown, along with cities like Los Angeles, Miami, and Cleveland.
Meghan Sprager is with the Waukesha Business Improvement District. She says, "It will not only benefit local, regional, and statewide economic development, but also national."
Take a drive through downtown and there are many shops and art galleries. City leaders say this project will only enhance that.
"We're very excited about the onset of this opportunity--will help promote our shopping venues and dining venues," Sprager explains.
In addition to the regular-sized, playable guitars, 10 artsy guitars standing 10-feet tall will be placed on a walking tour through downtown Waukesha. Susan Baker with the Les Paul Foundation knew Les, and knows he would approve.
"He savored life. I think he would think these were fun," Baker says of the guitars.
Bill is excited to be a part of the project, and to show off his rendition of Les Paul's 'How High The Moon.'
"I very quickly came up with a theme for it It was heaven-sent you might say," Bill smiles.
The guitars are scheduled to debut May 31st. Several will also be auctioned off to support music programs in local schools. Here's a link to pictures of all these one-of-a kind, locally decorated guitars. 'Waukesha GuitarTown' also has a page on Facebook.
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