ArtMetal

Sucky Sucky day!
Have just picked up an email from the client who was a hairs breadth away from putting down a deposit for my first tree sculpture, saying that after discussion with colleagues and ground staff ( it's for a school) they feel that the high value of copper would make it a target for thieves, as they have no real security at night.
Worst thing is, I fear they're right. But what the hell are we coming to if an institution can't exhibit open air art, for fear of having it stolen for scrap?

They're asking me for suggestions. I was so into the design,and style of what I had planned, I'm finding it hard right now to find enthusiasm for doing something else.

Current thoughts are :1) Fill trunk of tree with concrete to make life harder for thieves ( would this provoke corrosion? Branches still vulnerable)

2)Do they have a big enough inside space we could sensibly relocate the project to?

3)Design/make a more modernist interpretation with stainless ( still high scrap value), or corten ( never used it - what happens at welds corrosionwise ? )

4)Work on my plastic welding and make the damn thing out of recycled traffic cones(sorry, ranting again)

Any advice or shoulders to cry on appreciated.( I was so looking forward to this - and similar work it might generate)

Will