Four Playable Public Art Pianos are now in public spaces downtown through the end of August for all to play. The pianos also serve as temporary works of public art, painted and collaged by talented local artists to bring more color to downtown’s core. Musicians of all ages are welcome to share their talents at the pianos.
Artist Peter Goldlust and co-artist Melanie Germond on June 30 began painting the piano outside of the Downtown Public Library (on the 10th Ave. side of the building). As public artists, Goldlust and Germond appropriate elements from a variety of plant and animal sources, combining traits to create a colorfully baroque array of mutated hybrid forms. Their piano, Urchin, is a creature of the streets—loud, unkempt, and nonbinary. It is a celebration of the rich, weird diversity of human form.
The three other pianos are located at:
- West Park Block ("Play More" by artist Valentina Gonzalez)
- Outside of MECCA ("A New Era of Unity" by artist David Placencia)
- On the sidewalk at E. 8th Ave. & Pearl St. ("1982 Pop Culture" by artist Mija Andrade)
While the pianos are primarily for participation from passersby, professional pianists will perform at the pianos throughout the summer beginning July 9. See the schedule of performances.
The Playable Public Art Pianos, a program now in its third year, is part of a larger initiative by the City of Eugene to make downtown Eugene more welcoming, engaging and safe for everyone.