Looking to check out some cool-painted pianos? You’re in for a treat this Saturday, July 15,
Frequenters of Loon Bay Park, Turkey Head, Cattle Point, Willows Beach and Estevan Village will have already noticed the colourful pop-up pianos installed in late June.
Painted by artists Gilliam Redwood, Jim McFarland, Tanta DeStaffany Pennington, Jonathan Gleed and Robert Amos, the pianos are open for anyone to play, whether Mozart-to-be or “Chopsticks” master, between 10 a.m. and dusk daily.
July 15 will see a tour and opening celebration for the painted pianos.
A bus will load those in need of transportation at the municipal hall at 10 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. The bus is not wheelchair accessible but can accommodate walkers.
Others are welcome to bike or drive to the pop-up locations, where local professional musicians will play.
Sponsored by Experience Victoria, Crumsby’s, Cheryl’s Gourmet Pantry, Jenning’s Florist, Willows Galley Fish and Chips and Allison Piano, the tour promotes the public arts program ArtsAlive, which has involved Oak Bay’s pop-up pianos for the last three years.
Included in the ArtsAlive program are 13 temporary art pieces installed around Oak Bay, such as the controversial What The Nose Knows which already sparked plenty of reaction.
Voting for a favourite piece will remain open to the public until Nov. 1, when the most-voted sculpture will receive a People’s Choice Award and be considered for future purchase by the municipality.
For more information on the pop-up piano tour and celebration or the ArtsAlive program in Oak Bay, visit oakbay.ca/explore-oak-bay/arts-culture/artsalive.
editor@oakbaynews.com