Artists Paint Recycled Pianos to Display around Reno During Artown
Local artists are painting old pianos in Reno for display during Artown - Photos by Dave Aiazzi
First London, now Reno. Local artists are painting old pianos, turning them into original works of art that will be displayed around the city during Artown. The great thing is, you’re encouraged to play the pianos when you find one. They’ll start showing up in unlikely places; parks, public spaces and even at local businesses. Reno city councilman Dave Aiazzi came up with the idea after hearing about a similar project in London.
Nevada artist Leah Chubb works on ceramic additions for her piano
He told me, that in London, the pianos were set up around the city and people who passed by would stop to play them. Aiazzi, who serves on the board of directors for Artown, hopes people in Reno will do the same. So far, eight local artists have adopted a piano and have already started to embellish the instruments. Aiazzi says the pianos will be tuned weekly during Artown. The pianos were purchased from the Steinway Gallery in Reno and delivered to a vacant warehouse somewhere in the city. I asked Aiazzi if he’s worried abut the pianos being out in the elements. He says that’s the beauty of the project, it’s all about public art being accessible to the public. Besides it doesn’t usually rain much in July. Can’t wait for for the finished products to hit the street.
An old grand piano is being painted by local artists for display during Reno's Artown festival