Artist Wants Shot At Gun Metal Sculptures
TAMPA - Bradley Arthur hopes two sculptures made from smelted guns will leave positive impressions on Tampa residents for years to come.
The Hillsborough Public Art Committee hopes the artist's plan impresses county commissioners enough to spend $120,000 today for the two pieces.
One would go to the Sheriff's Operations Center in Ybor City; another would go to a district office at Citrus Park Town Center.
The abstract art would be made from the metal of guns collected in Operation Cease Fire, a program that collects firearms people want to discard.
``This is a very important public art project because it's about public safety,'' said Jan Stein, the county's public art coordinator.
Arthur, a former New York City artist who lives in Land O' Lakes, said the project is a challenge.
``When I see something that no longer has a use, it becomes a challenge for me to bring something new to that,'' he said.
One of the sculptures would be about 12 feet tall and the other about 8.
The sculptures will be based on five-point stars.
``The sheriff's star is the traditional icon symbolizing law enforcement,'' Arthur wrote in his proposal for the project. ``Historically, the star symbol represents many things, including defense and protection. In American culture, it symbolizes strength and order.''
Arthur said he's familiar with other art across the country made from firearms, but what he proposes is unique.
``There's nothing like this out there,'' he said.
The Public Art Committee approached the sheriff's office about the project, and Lt. Harold Winsett said officials were happy to help.
``But it doesn't come out of our budget.''