ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

Upcycled pianos featured in Abravanel Hall Plaza art installation

May 30, 2024, 11:00 AM

Ryan Harrington works on upcycling a white piano...

Local artist Ryan Harrington upcycles a piano for the upcoming display at Abravanel Hall Plaza. Harrington is one of the six artists who decorated pianos. (Josh Jones/The Blocks)

(Josh Jones/The Blocks)

SALT LAKE CITY — An art installation featuring upcycled pianos will open in the Abravanel Hall plaza on Friday. 

The Blocks and the Gina Bachauer International Piano Foundation teamed up to present the project, per a press release. 

The opening day event will begin at noon. It will feature a free concert performed by Misha Galant. The pianist is a competitor in the 2024 Bachauer International Artists Competition.

“Transforming ordinary pianos into captivating works of art, these visionary artists will redefine the boundaries of creativity and showcase the intersection of music and visual expression,” said Kary Billings, the executive director of the Bachauer Foundation. 

Additionally, free concerts will occur on the final Friday of each summer month.

Co-Create: Presenting local artists

“When the Bachauer [Foundation] submitted this proposal to us as part of our Co-Create Program, it was a natural fit,” Britney Helmers, the program director of The Blocks, said in the press release. “Part of our organization’s mission is to get arts out of the theater and onto the street.”

Through the Co-Create Program, The Blocks works to establish alliances with artists. Chosen candidates work with organization staff to bring their projects to life. 

Individuals, non-profits, and for-profits in Salt Lake City, or within 75 miles, may apply, per the program’s criteria. The project must take place within The Blocks Art District, as outlined in the criteria. 

“Salt Lake County Arts & Culture generously offered Abravanel Hall Plaza as a natural home for this one-of-a-kind open-air exhibit,” said Helmers. 

Related: Utah Symphony aims to bring music to all listeners

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Arts + Entertainment

KSL Movie Reviewer Steve Salles says he doesn't enjoy trashing movies, especially those that featur...

Steve Salles

KSL Movie Show review: ‘Love Hurts’ is painful to watch

The only saving grace of "Love Hurts," writes KSL Movie Reviewer Steve Salles, is that it's relatively short.

14 hours ago

people's music hall of fame 2025 induction ceremony...

Heather Kelly

People’s Music Hall of Fame to be permanently based in Utah

Huey Lewis will be inducted into the People's Music Hall of Fame during its inaugural event on Friday, Feb. 7 at the Eccles Theater in downtown Salt Lake City.

3 days ago

ELMONT, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: Sabrina Carpenter performs on stage during the 2024 MTV Video Musi...

MARIA SHERMAN AP Music Writer

2025 Grammys: Sabrina Carpenter wins first award of the night

Sabrina Carpenter scored the first award of the 2025 Grammys.

5 days ago

The graphic above shows the level of price changes in popular Super Bowl party snack foods. (AP Dig...

SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN

Winging it for the Super Bowl? Broccoli might be a cheaper party snack this year

Economists found a surprising spread in prices for popular game-day ingredients and prepared foods.

5 days ago

valiant one movie poster next to steve salles...

Steve Salles

KSL Movie Show review: ‘Valiant One’ is a silly movie that takes itself too seriously

"Valiant One" features a series of logistical mistakes with serious consequences — in a goofy movie that shouldn’t be mired by serious consequences. 

7 days ago

September 5 movie poster next to steve salles...

Steve Salles

KSL Movie Show review: Journalist or not, go see ‘September 5’

KSL Movie Show host Steve Salles says "September 5" is a must-watch for anyone wanting to go into news but journalist or not, go see this movie.

8 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

Upcycled pianos featured in Abravanel Hall Plaza art installation