J R Oatts painted guitar on show in Manchester

I'm excited to have been chosen to be one of artists taking part in this summer's Music for the Senses trail in Manchester.

From now to 31st August, creative producers Wild in Art have brought an exciting art trail to the city featuring artworks, exhibitions, and installations that honour the people, places, moments, and instruments that shape the city’s iconic music scene.

My specially designed, hand-painted guitar is inspired by the music, colours and industrial heritage of Manchester and is on display until the end of August in the window of the iconic Forsyth Music Shop at 126 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 2GR.

From this.. to this
Picture on the right is before it was restrung by the team at Rigby Music.

Header & guitar window image: David Oates Photography

My guitar was once a mere Farida D-8N Acoustic Guitar - donated by another iconic Manchester institution, the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, who are also part of the trail - and now it’s on display in a similarly iconic Manchester location!

But don’t just look in the window!
* Use the QR code on the window to find out more about my design
* Head into the shop, look though the window (see below), and check the guitar out from the back
* While you’re in the shop, pick up a stunning Music for the Senses printed map. Forsyth is one of five Manchester venues that are holding these - head here and scroll down to 'Map Hubs' 
* Pick up a special Forsyth ‘Bee’ plectrum - as seen on the map below 
* Download the Music for the Senses app - link .... and continue your musical journey around Manchester with ease AND get loads of freebies and offers from many of the venues!  

You'll find my guitar on at location 52 on the MFTS paper map and code 3013 in the MFTS App There is also a downloadable map here.

So much to check out….
- 48 Guitar Artworks - you can check out all the other artists involved here
-  9 Musician donated guitars to see from the likes of Oasis, Busted, Doves, Elbow, Mani, New Order, PINS and Pixies
- 2 Show-stopping installations - Guitar Street and Cathedral of Sound 
- 4 Brand new murals 
- 15 Existing murals/artworks 
- 4 AR hubs delivered by Manchester Music Mooch  

More at musicforthesenses.co.uk

I'll be sharing more about my design, behind the scenes about the process of painting the guitar, and more news about the trail on my next newsletter drop in a week's time, so sign up here.