It’s Happening Thursday, August 2nd - Piano Time Creations are Out and About!

Updated 8-2-2012 10:52pm

Shoreline Rocks, grand piano in the City Hall lobby by Seattle artist Kelly Lyles.

Eight donated pianos, decorated by visual artists, and ten sculptures on loan from the artists are now out and about in Shoreline.  The opening event is Arts al Fresco, on Thursday, August 2nd from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. at Shoreline City Hall and the Park at Town Center. 

Artists who have created fabulous artwork on these instruments are Ann Blanch, Lynn Turnblom and Sue Williams, Judith Heim, Jennifer Carroll, and KJ Bateman, all from Shoreline, plus Seattle artists Heather Carr, Kelly Lyles and Catherine Swanson and Edmonds artist, Julie Nagel. Keep your eyes out for bobble-head composers, a giant blue octopus, coffee-talk women, wonderland and café scenes, playful veggies, a jazzy design, and musical images from greater Shoreline’s past. Each piano will have at least one scheduled performance but you are invited to play gently as well. 

Jazzy Jive by artist CJ Swanson is by Darrell’s Tavern on the corner of Aurora Ave N & N 182nd St
Photo by Keith McGlashan

The Sculpture Stroll includes a diverse collection of work by Shoreline artist Jeff Tangen, Lake Forest Park artist Rodger Squirrell and five other artists from Gig Harbor to Bellingham including Michael Johnson, Thor Myhre, Lin McJunkin, Kevin Au and Leon White.  Five of the pianos and all of the sculpture can be found in the Town Center area and will be easily viewed Thursday evening. We hope you have fun exploring.

Octavia Rises by artists Ann Blanch, Lynn Turnblom & Sue Wallace
At Haggen Northwest Fresh (formerly Top Foods) across from Shoreline City Hall
Photo by Keith McGlashan

Well-known jazz pianists Bill Anschell and Deems Tsutakawa will be performing on the Shoreline Rocks and the Werner’s Café pianos throughout the evening.  Light refreshment will be served but you are also welcome to bring your chair, blanket and picnic on the grass at City Hall or the Park at Town Center while you enjoy some great outdoor sights and sounds.  

Maps with piano locations, artist information and performance schedules will be available at the event, and following that on the City of Shoreline website. Some local businesses near each piano will have maps beginning next week.  

For more information contact Ros Bird, Public Art Coordinator, 206-801-2661.