Pianos will appear in four places this summer, expanding on the arts program launched around Oak Bay last year.
Last summer arts laureate Barbara Adams co-ordinated six temporary art installations in Oak Bay – three public use pianos and three art pieces. The project was well received by the public except for some sound concerns regarding the pianos.
Council approved this summer’s expanded program June 8.
The piano painted by Robert Amos that now graces municipal hall will make its way to Estevan Village, open to play during business hours.
“I think it will be popular, but not too popular,” said Adams, noting the piano will be pulled in each evening as shops close.
“Part of the problem has been when the pianos are uncovered in the middle of the night,” Adams said. “We’ll just try and keep it down.”
Three newly painted pianos are planned for Turkey Head, Cattle Point and Loon Bay Park. In response to some complaints over nighttime noise last year, the pianos will be covered from 8 p.m. to 9 a.m.
“I think we’ve solved some of the noise issue,” said Mayor Nils Jensen. “I think they’re in locations where they will bring joyful noise.”
Four large art pieces are slated for Loon Bay Park, the lawn at municipal hall, the public portion of the vacant lot at 2775 Beach Drive and Entrance Park at Foul Bay Road and Oak Bay Avenue. Eleven smaller art pieces will be located on public land on Oak Bay Avenue. Estevan Village will feature an art walk, with 10 businesses displaying works in the windows throughout the summer.
“We are working at having an artist every day of the week painting in Estevan,” Adams said.
In Oak Bay Village, 11 small or medium art installations are planned for municipally owned land.
“There are various animals and abstracts … and First Nations pieces along the Avenue,” Adams said.
All artists who loan their art for the installations are required to sign an agreement with the municipality that “the municipality shall not be liable for any damage to or theft or loss of the said artwork or be under any obligation to provide security for the artwork while it is on display or in the possession of the municipality.”
cvanreeuwyk@oak baynews.com