
Murals
Painted Piano Trail!
The Festival of Murals is a program of public art activities that includes an annual mural competition and other public art projects in Wayne County, Indiana since 2010. The program has facilitated the installation of over 50 works of public art to date. The Painted Piano Trail project was created in collaboration with the Starr Piano Festival whereby Wayne County artists where invited to compete for prizes.
Six artists have painted on piano replicas that are functional as public benches. These artistic public art pieces, suitable for outdoor or indoor use, have been placed throughout Wayne County, Indiana and are part of the Painted Piano Trail. Each piano will feature a QR code that can be scanned with a smartphone to learn more information.
The Painted Piano Trail is officially endorsed by the state of Indiana's Bicentennial Commission and in conjunction with the InRich.us Starr Piano Festival event. The festival has established the first world record of continuous piano playing on a Starr Piano.
Winning Piano Designs:
1st Place - Mark Gardner
2nd Place - Carvin Rinehart
3rd Place - Carly Dee and Cassy Mattingly
Painted by Charles Guess, I wanted to design a piano theme that represented me. From being black and white to having a sense of humor to innuendos. My design has a lot of history from the beginning of the piano to today's day and age. Artwork that will give you something to talk about even after you see it and walk away from it.
Painted by Cassy Mattingly and Carly Dee, this piano began with a thought, which led to a dream, which led to an invention. Painted in the Steampunk Style, it's a celebration of industry and invention. The artists are passionate about inspiring and being inspired by all avenues of creativity. This piano represents boundless thinking and fruition.
Painted by Pamela Fraizer,
Alberta Hunter: Regarded as the first female Blues singer.
Lil' Hardin: Pianist, King Oliver's Creole Band.
(Alberta and Lil' both recorded in Richmond)
Memphis Minnie: Guitarist, blues performer.
Sister Rosetta Tharp: Considered first gospel superstar. Elvis said she was one of his strongest influences.
Painted by Carvin L. Rinehart, In 1927, Hoosier songwriter Hoagy Carmichael first recorded "Stardust" at the Gennett Recording Studio in Richmond, Indiana, and considered one of the most important songs of the 20th century.