by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
The first Art Walk of 2011 brought different ideas Downtown Wednesday evening, but that’s what Art Walk is all about.
The “City Keys” project debuted with several pianos in galleries and businesses that have been, or will soon be, transformed into works of art, both visual and performance.
An initiative that has become global, “Play Me, I’m Yours,” has for several years placed pianos in public places where people are invited to sit down and show off their skills on the keys. Downtown’s version added a new element.
“This is the first time artists have been invited to draw and paint on the pianos,” said concert pianist Rich Ridenour, one of the coordinators of the local project.
January also brought three-dimensional art to galleries usually known for offering two-dimensional work.
Photographer Mary Atwood is showing “Time Capsule 1163,” a collage of images installed shadow box-style in a former 13-inch Zenith television, at the Art Center on West Adams Street. The Next Gallery’s latest find is a collection of wire sculptures by Noah Saunders. At the Bee Gallery, artist and musician Marc Cody is showing some of his paintings as well as his guitars created from skateboard decks.
Another debut was Studio 121, a working studio and gallery space founded by artists Tony Wood, Mary St. Germain, Terese Muller, Robert Leedy, Paul Ladnier, Joyce Gabiou and Doug Eng. They are planning a grand opening celebration in February, but wanted to give Art Walk visitors the first look at the new space.
The next First Wednesday Art Walk is 5-9 p.m. Feb. 2, rain or shine.
356-2466