Townsend's Popup Piano
Author: Mary Duede
You may have noticed a small studio piano that recently appeared in front of Reading Leaves Bookstore in Townsend. It is getting a fresh coat of paint and artistic embellishment by local artist, Beth Robertson Campbell. Campbell has sanded, primed and is now in the process of adding her personal touch to give the little piano a beautiful new look. Once the piano is finished, anyone can stop by and play.
This project is part of a national community trend that gives new life to pianos destined for the dumpster or a dusty end, unused in a basement. A bit of cleaning, open-air space and some vibrant paint give the instrument a fresh look and a new opportunity to be used.
Street pianos, aka Pop-up Pianos, stand free to be played by the passerby, tourist, or budding musician. They provide a source of creativity for the artist and musician, fun for the family and community, and promote a sense of well-being for the player.
Campbell is a 2009 alumnus of Broadwater High School. She answered a “call for artists” ad in the Townsend Classifieds placed by retired high school teacher Mary Duede, who organized the project. “Five or six artists answered the call, but Beth is the one artist who followed through with vibrant design work,” said Duede. The piano is being painted in a style evocative of Scandinavian Folk Art.
Beth refers to herself as a block-cut artist, or linocut artist. Some of her work is available on her Etsy site found under BCPrintsArt. With this new project, viewers can get an idea of her talent. Campbell explained, “It’s a great opportunity to give back to the community I grew up in."
Many people and groups, including Missouri Valley Marketing, Billings Clinic Broadwater and Townsend Rotary have come together to support the pop-up piano project. Billings Clinic Broadwater donated the studio piano. Pam Sample, with Missouri River Marketing, donated a large quantity of paint. Townsend Rotary has offered its support as well.
Broadwater Community Mental Health is also supporting the project. The benefits of playing music and appreciation of it are well documented in promoting mental health and well-being. Stress and anxiety are reduced in playing and listening. Rachael Elliott-Brug owner of the bookstore, stated, "I'm thrilled to have Beth's gorgeous artwork out front bringing smiles to the community. This piano will be a way to encourage conversations about mental health issues and maybe inspire people to learn more about them.”
Townsend Hardware owner, J.B. Howick filled a big need in moving the piano. He made light work of it all using his forklift to take the piano to its new location. Once the move was complete, Beth’s work began in earnest last Thursday evening. She has worked through heat, wind, rain, and dust. Her husband, Chase, and daughter Juniper have been by her side to help and lend support in many ways from sanding, shuttling supplies and food to offering general advice. So far, at least 70 plus hours have gone into designing, planning and painting the piano.
The piano has found a great home at Reading Leaves Book Store. It is well protected by a large overhang and is accessible to all. The touch of whimsy is a bright spot for motorists and pedestrians.
The pop-up piano is a family-friendly addition to the community. It is hoped that residents or visitors in and around Townsend will be inclined to sit down and play. With this attractive and functional art piece, we hope to foster music appreciation and encourage our community’s own emerging artists and musicians as well as nurture the well-being and creativity of others.
A big thank you to all who have helped give this little piano a second chance.
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PhotoCredit: Mary Duede
Image 1 Caption: The PopUp Piano and Beth Robertson Campbell
