WOLFEBORO, NH – As you hit the streets in Wolfeboro this coming summer, listen for the tinkling of piano keys as seven Street Pianos have returned to Wolfeboro, thanks to the Great Waters Street Piano Project. Great Waters Summer Concerts, wanting to bring music throughout Wolfeboro, took over the project in 2011, and the pianos helped share that mission. Maestros to minatures are invited to sit down and play anything from “Do Re Me” to Bach.
The piano that probably receives the most play is “Yummy” by Butternuts. It was inspired by artist Wayne Thiebaud and created by students Lacey Arno, Opal Grupp, Lily Orzechowski, and Evelyn Scialla from last year’s Kingswood High School Design Class. This piano is next to Butternuts and across the street from Bailey’s. These two stores share the care as Butternuts uncovers in the morning and Bailey’s puts it to bed at night. Thanks to Theresa, Jerome, and Tiana at Butternuts and Deb Skelley and the many servers at Baileys.
Over on the dock, Dockside has a new model on the street. The Keith Haring painting (the people with bright pastel colors) was done by Issy Fournier, Peyton Walsh, Lily Scott, Aiden Clause, and Brendan MacPhee. Enormous thanks to Greg and his many servers, who uncover, play, and cover the instrument again.
Down on Nolan’s front porch, a rainbow design makes you laugh and smile as you play this piano that stays warm in the daytime sun. This piano was inspired by artist Takashi Murakami and was done by Emily Gagnon, Abi Lemay, Aerianna Lavallee, and Taylor Mullen. Thanks to Robert and the daily help that care for “Happy”.
The luckiest piano has the best setting, inside, under the porch roof of Wolfetrap Restaurant. Hope and Cheryl painted this one two years ago, and it still mesmerizes you with the mermaids swimming around. Thanks to Jimmy and everyone at Wolfetrap for such a comfortable home.
Morriseys graciously joined the Piano Team last summer, but again, the weather was not our friend, and it drowned before July. Now, thanks to Izzy Bean, Shelby Fontaine, Jerilyn Cornwell, and Keira Johnson, the Van Gogh-inspired piano awaits your fingers. Thanks to Aron and his team for their many efforts, and here’s looking ahead to sunny weather.
This year, the Pickering House and the Samual Avery Tavern joined the project and welcomed the Roy Lichtenstein piano painted by Bri James, Tenlee Williams, Sophie Edwards, and Kaden Duque. Thanks to Paige, Dave Babcock, and the staff at the Samuel Avery Tavern.
Our thanks go to these artists and especially Allison O’Donnell, the Art and Design teacher at Kingwood High School. Their work and creativity on our 4 newly painted pianos are greatly admired. In addition, huge THANKS to the shop and restaurant owners for your tender, loving care.
You may see people playing at any time, but you might also see a fabulous local volunteer who valiantly tries to keep our pianos in tune each summer, almost an impossible job with the temperature swings, humidity, and rain posing huge challenges. We so appreciate his donation of ear and hand!
In addition, we want to thank J. Bresnahan Co., which donated their time, truck, and muscles to moving all seven of these pianos from their original home or storage to the high school and then out onto the street.
These pianos will be commanding the street until the end of September, weather permitting. So sit down and let the music go forth!! If it is raining and the piano is not covered, you can help by putting the cover on. If you uncover it, please be sure to cover it back up. If it is uncovered and the weather is okay, leave it open for others. If anyone has a piano in good working order, please call the Great Waters office at 603-569-7710, and we will arrange a pick-up in the fall. It must be in good working condition. Music brightens each day, and thanks to all who work to enrich Wolfeboro this summer.
