What’s On has details of an exhibition from guitar giants Gibson. The event will feature guitar designs by UAE artists to celebrate its 120th anniversary.

Gibson guitars have been played by some of the true icons of rock and roll: Elvis, Hendrix, Clapton, Slash – artists so cool, they don’t even need a full name. Now the legendary guitar brand is set to bring its unique musical history to the UAE with a new exhibition featuring the work of local artists.

To celebrate its 120th anniversary, the brand has commissioned 18 UAE-based artists to create custom guitar artwork to commemorate the International Day of Peace on September 21, which will then be sold to raise money for charity. You’ll be able to admire these special Gibson Art Guitars at the Hard Rock Café Dubai on September 20 and 21, after which they will be displayed at The Dubai Mall for two weeks.

Not only will local artists be putting their unique stamp on these instruments, each of the customised Gibson 2014 guitar models will also have an exclusive 120th anniversary inlay at the 12th fret. Any Gibson fan will know that this makes them a true collectors’ item.

The unveiling on September 20 will be accompanied by a two-day exhibition called Gibson Through The Lens. Classic rock fans definitely need to put this one in their diaries, as it will feature 60 fine art prints from legendary music photographers such as Jim Marshall and (the aptly named) Mick Rock, and will feature images of iconic musicians including Keith Richards, Bob Dylan, Bob Marley and Jimmy Page.

September 20 to 21

Hard Rock Café, Zone 8a, Festival City, Dubai, daily, noon to 2am. Tel: (04) 2328900. Taxi: Dubai Festival City. hardrock.com/cafes/dubai