Artist, Patrick Eberle from St Peter’s Anglican College, was set the task of making an object from clay that would not normally be depicted in clay.

“The recent discussions about gun laws in America prompted me to create my clay gun,” he said.

“I focused on trying to portray - as realistically as possible - the features on a hand gun. My idea being, the only useful gun is a clay one.”

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“Loaded Gun” was on display in The Good Reader bookshop, which was incidentally, the winner of the Best Business Display.

The realistic gun sculpture was juxtaposed with a wrapped book by Year 9 Carroll College sculptor Maddie Forner and created great interest, according to the booksellers.

“People were very enthusiastic about seeing student artwork dotted around town and delighted that students had a platform to be seen by the public,” said Assistant Manager at The Good Reader Eleonor Woodville.

“The Loaded Gun attracted a lot of interest and people were fascinated by it. They said it had a real gravitas and maturity to it. It was clever and very well made.”

Patrick Eberle has won a $100 voucher to spend at the store of his choice and The Good Reader staff will be off to a $200 dinner together.

The Sculpture on Clyde Committee appreciated the support of so many stores who participated in this event and look forward to exhibiting more student sculptures in 2019.