It isn't your every-day sculpture of a turkey. But then, Bob wasn't just any turkey.
He was a beloved, feathered friend whose life ended tragically in January in a hit-and-run, just steps away from his frequent perch near a Woodstock neighborhood. But thanks to one woman's mission, a talented artist and the help of a community, Bob the Turkey will continue to greet visitors to the Cherokee County town.
Only now, he happens to be metal, made from 100 percent recyclable materials. Thursday morning, the sculptor's creator and the woman who organized the project put the turkey in his new spot on Main Street.
"This has been my crusade," Woodstock resident Diane Geeslin told the AJC. "People were devastated when Bob passed away."
But the turkey's death spurred Geeslin into action. She created a bank account to solicit donations for the project and approached the city's mayor and city council with her idea. And by chance, she met the artist that agreed to make the sculpture.
Bruce Weinzetl of Acworth calls himself the "junkman artist," but the end result looks nothing like junk. The 60-pound sculpture is made of 18-gauge mild steel and includes items such as an exhaust pipe and rebar pieces, Weinzetl said.
"You work with what you've got," Weinzetl explained.
Using metal donated from local citizens and businesses, Weinzetl re-created Bob, complete with 700 feathers. Weinzetl said he relied on a photograph posted on the turkey's Facebook page (the bird has nearly 2,000 fans) to help with the project. But he's the first to admit he really can't explain how he does his work. It just sorta happens, he said.
But judging by the honks and waves from passersby on Main Street, the artwork bears a striking resemblance to Bob, also known as Tom to some people.
"To capture what he did in this art is incredible," Geeslin said.
The sculpture was mounted on heavy stones and secured, ready to great those heading into downtown Woodstock from Ga. 92. A plaque is being created and will read, "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened," Geeslin said. She's hoping the city will plan a dedication to its newest addition.
Above all, Geeslin and Weinzetl are hopeful the project will serve as a reminder that no creature is too small to make a difference. Geeslin plans to keep the bank account open and donate future funds to animal groups in the area.
"He's here for a reason," Geeslin said.
Anyone wishing to donate to the cause can visit or call any Wells Fargo branch and mention that its for Bob the Turkey, account No. 7530686331.
