Pianos About Town, a program that brings local art and spontaneous music to the streets of Fort Collins, is excited to announce the artists selected to paint pianos as part of the program’s 2024 painting season.
A cohort of 12 artists or artist teams were selected by the City of Fort Collins Art in Public Places committee. Selected artists are Cassie Fazio and Joel Robinson, Chelsea Ermer, Chloe Cochran, Christina Pruneski, CM Canino, Emily Ku, Henry Hanes, Kara Johnson, Lydia Tarleton, Nicole Clemens, Rebekah Lwanga, and Ryan Sauter.
VIEW ALL THE 2024 ARTIST CONCEPTS AT FCGOV.COM/ARTSPUBLIC/PIANOS
Outdoor summer painting starts May 8 at the Art in Action tent on the south side of Fort Collins’ Old Town Square.
About Pianos About Town
Pianos About Town is a collaboration among Bohemian Foundation, the City of Fort Collins Art in Public Places and the Fort Collins Downtown Development Authority. Community members watch as local artists transform donated pianos into public art. Placed across 20 locations across town in the summer, and six locations in the winter, the completed pianos offer surprise interruptions of color and music across Fort Collins.
Artist Spotlight: Rebekah Lwanga
Rebekah Lwanga is a 19-year-old self-taught artist who hopes to start a career in graphic design. Lwanga moved to Colorado at the age of 14 and was captivated by the vibrant art scene in Fort Collins.
“The city’s commitment to fostering local talent resonates deeply with me,” said Lwanga. “I am drawn to contribute to its cultural tapestry.”
Lwanga’s piano design reflects the adventures and connections forged when she ventured out on her own at 18. “I finally tasted freedom in a nurturing environment,” said Lwanga. “These encounters expanded my horizons, revealing the myriad of joys that life has to offer.” The bold geometric shapes and colors pay homage to Lwanga’s African heritage and her love of modern cartoons such as Gravity Falls and Adventure Time.
Lwanga concept image:
Artist Spotlight: Emily Ku
Emily Ku is painting her first piano for the Pianos About Town program. Ku has recently rediscovered her passion for art while pursuing career aspirations in aerospace engineering. Ku was selected to participate in NASA’s Psyche Inspired program, a program for undergraduate students to share the innovation of NASA’s Psyche mission through creative works.
“Growing up in an Asian household ensured that other career paths took precedent above my artistic endeavors,” said Ku. “I have learned to rediscover and indulge in those parts of myself that make me feel alive.”
Ku’s piano design is titled “Movements in Flow,” and features bright orange and yellow autumn leaves dancing in the wind. The design symbolizes changes in the flow and passage of time and is inspired by the musical movements in written music.
Ku concept image:
