Source: Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture
The Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture and Pianos on State are pleased to announce the artists and organizations selected to participate in Pianos on State 2018. In its 9th year, the interactive musical exhibition in Downtown Santa Barbara will extend from October 2-24, 2018. The pianos are painted by Santa Barbara-based artists and will be available for community exploration, impromptu play, and group performances.
Artists are selected through a competitive submission process. This year’s panel received a record number of submissions, and the selected artists include Aviel Hyman, Mahina Martinson, Ariana Meyers, Jack Mohr, Amanda Phillips, Melody Rose, Sheryl Schroeder, Lanny Sherwin, and Richard Stokes. Additional community partners working with local students and artists to design pianos include Art From Scrap, the Santa Barbara Public Library Central Branch, The Arts Fund and Youth Interactive.
Helmed by the Santa Barbara Bowl, this program represents a unique collaboration that aims to provide arts exposure for residents and visitors of all ages. “The pianos are a beloved tradition that enhances the cultural vibrancy of Santa Barbara and the downtown corridor. It is a way to engage the community by inviting participants of all ages and backgrounds to experience performing arts in a public space,” said Kai Tepper, Santa Barbara Bowl Education Outreach Program Manager. Additional producing partners include the City of Santa Barbara, Office of Arts and Culture, The Arts Fund, Santa Barbara Arts Collaborative, Downtown Santa Barbara, the Santa Barbara Education Foundation and New Noise SB. Many local sponsors and businesses also help sponsor and underwrite costs.
Pianos on State exhibits in tandem with Arts and Humanities Month, recognized by the City of Santa Barbara each October. The pianos are placed on designated art pads established by the City to host public sculpture. A dynamic opening celebration is scheduled on 1st Thursday, October 4, 2018, from 5-8 p.m. as artists traverse the pianos and the Piano Boys perform at the Library’s piano at the intersection of State St. and Anapamu St.
About The Santa Barbara County Bowl:
In addition to hosting concerts, the Bowl supports important performing arts programs for youth through their Education Outreach program. The Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation is a funder and partner in performing arts education for the greater Santa Barbara area. Their mission is to ensure that everyone has access to music — whether by playing or by listening. For more information, visit sbbowl.com.
About The Santa Barbara County Office of Arts & Culture (SBCOAC):
A division of the County’s Community Services Department, the office represents a longstanding partnership between the County of Santa Barbara and the City of Santa Barbara. For more than 30 years, both governments have shared resources and staff to maximize support for local arts and culture institutions, programs, initiatives, and projects. As the Local Partner of the California Arts Council, the SBCOAC serves as the regional governmental umbrella for arts and culture projects and programs. For more information, visit sbac.ca.gov.