E. C. Glass and Heritage High School art students are making a major talent contribution to a new Lynchburg public art project entitled, “Keys for the Hill City.” The project involves placing six pianos in the historic downtown area this summer for passersby to stop and play.
The idea is the brainchild of Libby Fitzgerald of Lynchburg who spotted a similar project in Pennsylvania. According to Fitzgerald, the pianos are big hits, which draw crowds and generate conversation. “The downtown merchants agreed to participate, and the project was launched by the James River Council for the Arts and Humanities,” she said.
The schools’ roles are to provide artistic design and dressing to the pianos, according to E. C. Glass art teacher Linda Harding. “Our advanced art students drew up some ideas, and we were able to incorporate the best of several concepts.” Harding said, adding, “We’re really happy with how the themes are blending into the piano we were given to paint.”
Harding explained that the pianos will all be placed outside under cover from weather. “Aside from the music they’ll provide, these pianos will also be a treat for the eye,” she said. ECG’s piano art contribution incorporates themes from Indian Henna or Mehndi design, according to Harding.
Heritage High School art teacher Jon Roark said his school is going with a Beatles theme for their piano, which will include some album art from the famous pop combo. “We’re pretty excited about it, and honored to participate,” Roark said. “What’s not to like about the Beatles?”
Fitzgerald said the pianos should be in place in early May and plans call for them to remain there through September.