The colorful art pieces were displayed all over the Greater Cleveland area throughout the summer. In September and October, the guitars were featured at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame before being auctioned off to benefit local charities.
History:
GuitarMania® was first conceived in 2000 as a Cleveland variation of public art projects, such as the Cows on Parade in Chicago and the Big Pig Gig in Cincinnati.A Rock and Roll theme was the obvious choice for Cleveland. The last GuitarMania® was in 2004. Past artist and celebrity participants have included Joe Walsh, Yoko Ono, Drew Carey, and Michael Stanley.
Participating Artists and Celebrities:
Celebrity participants for the 2007 GuitarMania® included Liv Tyler; Flea, from the Red Hot Chili Peppers; Maria Elena Holly, the widow of "Buddy" Holly; and Beatles artist, Shannon. Local companies, including Continental Airlines, American Greetings Corp., Sherwin-Williams, Jones Day, and the Cleveland Clinic also sponsored guitars.Where to See Guitarmania :
The 80 guitars were located throughout the city from May 29 through August, 2007. A large concentration (14) were located between the Rock Hall and the Great Lake Science Center; three were located at Cleveland Hopkins Airport; nine will be at Public Square; and over 20 were located in and around City Hall and the Justice Center.For a map of the GuitarMania® locations, click here (PDF file).
All for Charity:
On October 20, 2007, all of the Guitars were auctioned off, with the proceeds going to charity. All of the funds stayed here in Northeast Ohio, distributed by the United Way and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum's Education Fund.Tickets to the auction gala, which will was held at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame were $75.
GuitarMania Photo Gallery:
For a look a some of the 2007 GuitarMania pieces, see this GuitarMania photo gallery.(updated 1-30-08)
