Before he left however, the former Oxley High art teacher, who moved here in 1974, dropped into the Tamworth Regional Gallery to give one more special lesson to local senior high school art students, many of which are being taught by two former students of his.

Current Oxley High and Tamworth High art teachers Liesel McIlrick and Tina Poder were both taught by Mr Hooper at Oxley High, with both explaining his passion and knowledge drove them on to become art teachers themselves.

“He has made a huge contribution locally to visual art, and the reason we both went on to become art teachers is because of him,” Ms Poder said.

“These kids are very lucky to be here for his final ever lesson as a teacher.” 

Mr Hooper, who retired from teaching 15 years ago, is taking a different twist on settling down, instead of moving to some acreage in the country, he is doing the opposite and moving to a Sydney terrace, and he says it is a necessity. 

“I want to go back to the Sydney life – having the luxuries of galleries and dining out on my doorstep, but I also need to declutter and simplify my life,” he said.

“I have got to stop sculpting and making art, because the moment I make stuff I have just got more stuff – that the problem with being an artist.” 

While the Picasso Guitar in Bicentennial Park will forever be his legacy to Tamworth, Mr Hooper takes just as much pride in producing and teaching a generation of artists from his studio at Oxley High.

“Coming here today and engaging with my ex-students who are now teaching other students was quite special – I am sure I will reflect on that in years to come,” he said.

“I had a great time teaching, although the profession comes with such highs and lows. The highs are great, but they probably wouldn’t be without the difficult bits.”