A larger-than-life guitar sculpture is being praised for its artistry, quality craftsmanship and considered for display in downtown Monument.

Measuring 7 feet tall and weighing about 150 pounds, the intricately detailed sculpture is a symbol of immense, versatile sounds produced by today’s top guitar virtuosos. What’s more, its creator — artist and musician Kayla McKenzie — built the sculpture with a simple welding torch, steel and wire, giving new meaning to the term heavy metal.

The daughter of Monument residents Tony and Amy McKenzie, the aspiring artist is a senior at Lewis-Palmer High School and a welding student at School District 38 Career & Innovation Center. McKenzie is passionate about art and music, and sought to create a piece that conveys those passions while satisfying the most opinionated critic.

“I was inspired by my electric guitar, and the idea of mixing music and art, hence why my sculpture is a huge guitar,” McKenzie said. 

According to McKenzie, her welding/woodworking teacher Andy Vrieze asked if she wanted to build a sculpture for a class assignment. McKenzie accepted as it offered an opportunity to expand her artistic horizons.

“When I learned about a welding class, I felt excited to create something new and unique. I said yes and then began thinking of ideas. I do lots of art with different media like ceramics, drawing, painting and other mixed media,” McKenzie said.

The “Heavy Metal” project was born.

“When I met her, she told me she wanted to take welding so she could incorporate metal into some of the other art projects she has done. She has gotten better at MIG (metal inert gas) welding,” Vrieze said.

MIG welding is used chiefly for heavy duty fabrication projects. MIG welding uses a constant voltage power supply to create an electric arc that fuses the base metal with a filler wire continuously fed through the welding torch.

McKenzie used thin steel, wire (for welding and guitar strings) and sealant to create the sculpture. Bending and molding the metal into shape posed the biggest challenge, she said. “For the main shape, I cut out two flat pieces for the front and back of the guitar, as well as two flat pieces for the handle,” McKenzie said.

To give the guitar a 3D aesthetic, McKenzie bent metal slabs around the edges of the main shape before adding to the other side. “Bending the metal was tedious and also a kind of workout,” McKenzie said.

A bright blue-white light from McKenzie’s welding torch filled the room as the artist kneeled down alongside and applies another weld to her project. Watching the sculpture materialize with each application is the most rewarding aspect of crafting the project, she said.

McKenzie’s efforts recall Queen guitarist Brian May building his legendary Red Special from an oak table insert, mother-of-pearl buttons and a 100-year-old fire place mantel.

“I love seeing something I envisioned come to life and having the satisfaction of knowing I did that,” McKenzie said.

Vrieze added, “This is the biggest project to come out of the shop this year.”

To date, McKenzie has spent about 60 hours bringing the instrument to life and hopes to complete the project prior to the end of the semester in May. “I have been working on the sculpture for about two months now, but most likely won’t finish it until the end of the semester,” McKenzie said.

Vrieze praised McKenzie’s work ethic. “Kayla is a hard worker. Our class is 2.5 hours long and when she is working on the project, I won’t see her much during the class because she is so focused and grinds away at getting it done,” he said.

McKenzie believes her finished piece will contribute to the community’s rich art and music culture. The future artist said she hopes her creation will inspire others and evoke feelings of creativity. “I hope people take away an appreciation for art and music, and the hard work I put into this piece,” she said.

While some might see a metal guitar sculpture as being out of tune with reality, McKenzie believes her creation will strike a chord with the community and serve as eye candy for the guitar aficionado. Discussions are in the works to display “Heavy Metal” at one of the town’s outdoor art spaces.

McKenzie plans to pursue a degree in art and music following graduation from LPHS in May.

“I haven’t decided which college yet. I am between and UC-San Diego,” said McKenzie who, when not handling a welding torch, works as a part-time nanny and cleaner.

Until then, McKenzie plans to pursue other creative endeavors and wants to build a more interactive piece for her next project.

“I am not sure what it will be yet, maybe something musically-inspired people could mess around with,” McKenzie said.

The CIC, which opened in August 2025, provides relevant, work-based learning opportunities for secondary students and hands-on experiences that connects learning to high-demand careers. It prepares students for what’s next, and community involvement is key to that success.

“Students who take classes at the CIC are enrolled as students at our two district-operated high schools,” said Amy Matisek, director of communications, Lewis-Palmer School District 38. “Students are not required to attend the CIC. These classes are additional options for students in several different pathways.”

In a district website post, Amy Sienkowski, D-38 director of Innovative Programs, wrote, “The resounding comment I hear from community and staff is, ‘I wish I had this when I was in school.’”

To learn more visit lewispalmer.org/page/career-innovation-center. Contact Sienkowski at asienkowski@lewispalmer.org.