Upcycled pianos featured in Abravanel Hall Plaza art installation
May 30, 2024, 11:00 AM
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.
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