From September 27 through October 14, 2013, seventy-five pianos decorated by artists were placed around Boston, MA for the public to play as part of the world wide art installation "Play Me, I'm Yours". The festival was hosted by Celebrity Series of Boston as part of its 75th anniversary celebrations.
I submitted a proposal in response to an Open Call to decorate a piano to be displayed at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston as part of the series “Play Me, I’m Your: Street Pianos Boston”. A committee of Managers, Curators, and the Chair of the Contemporary Art Department selected my proposal for the piano, titled “Work in Progress.” The concept was based on transforming a black baby grand piano into a faux artist studio and workstation to be used by the public for a three week duration at the entrance to the Museum of Fine Arts. I submitted proposal, created digital rendering, outlined budget, planned schedule, restored and refinished piano, constructed attachments, implemented revisions, and installed the project.
My objective of “Work in Progress” is to transform a traditional black Baby Grand Piano into a replica artist studio, complete with an enlarged artist’s easel, table, tools, and painting supplies, along with a partially finished painting. This idea occurred to me when I was trying to create a theme that would relate both to the MFA and to my personal artistic efforts and creative space as well as a unique way to link the creation of musical art and fine art.
When on display, the piano will remain a “Work in Progress” not only due to the incomplete painting, but also because it will draw people in to play their own music, and as each person plays, the piece will continue to grow and change with each new contribution.