KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Peter Poanessa of Keene Signworx made waves Tuesday morning when he joined host Dan Mitchell on WKBK Radio’s Good Morning with Dan Mitchell to discuss his latest—and perhaps most eye-catching—public art project: an 11-foot aluminum shark sculpture now mounted on a vacant storefront in downtown Keene.

Poanessa, a well-known local artist and sign maker and owner of Keene Signworx with a history of public art installations around the city, recounted the unusual journey of the giant shark during the broadcast.

Originally crafted by a metal fabricator for a sushi restaurant in Providence, R.I., the sculpture vanished after the business shut down due to alleged mob ties. Years later, Poanessa’s friend tracked it down and sold it to him.

“I thought, wow, I could mount the shark down there,” Poanessa told Mitchell. “It doesn’t really pertain to anything, but it’s a really cool piece of public art.”

Poanessa installed the weatherproof sculpture above the entrance to the former Keene Axe House, turning it into an instant downtown landmark. The timing of the display also adds a playful nod to pop culture, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the blockbuster film, “Jaws.”

“It’s really well built and would last almost forever outside,” Poanessa said, describing the shark’s aluminum construction. “The Cape’s got nothing on us,” he joked, comparing Keene’s new attraction to famous shark sightings off Cape Cod.

The installation has already begun turning heads and could emerge as a fresh draw for visitors and locals alike, adding to the city’s growing reputation for creative and unexpected public art.

Listen to the full interview: