I saw my first street piano in the fall of 2011 in Littleton, New Hampshire, while vacationing with my husband. It was a brightly-colored, blue and purple piano, sitting on the sidewalk in downtown Littleton. I remember seeing, “Littleton Piano Project” painted on it. There was a young couple seated at the piano with the gentleman playing the piano and a lady playing a flute. I was not familiar wi
th the street piano movement at that time, but I did appreciate the concept of an inviting, brightly- painted piano outdoors on a city sidewalk! While reading a copy of a magazine entitled, Missouri Municipal League Review, I came across an article written by Peter Kageyama about loving where you live. My interest was piqued immediately. I read the article twice and then went to Peter’s website. Peter Kageyama, author, international speaker and community development strategist, writes and teaches about making communities better, more interesting and hence, more loveable places. I quickly became a student of Peter and purchased both of his books. One of his statements launched me into a study of how the experiences of other cities could be utilized by Harrisonville. Kageyama writes about the difference between a city that is loved and a city that is merely lived in. The key is citizen engagement. Connection. Conversation. He goes on to state that when we love something we cherish it; we protect it; we do things for it. It is my opinion that we also change our conversation about it. If you can create a place people love, it adds to a community’s sustainability. It makes it easier to attract businesses and employers that in turn provide more to offer residents. Who would not want that for Harrisonville? Peter mentions in his book, “For the Love of Cities,” that an inexpensive project done by many cities is the placing of pianos in public spaces. Living in a city with a lovely Historic Square, I saw the piano project as a way to encourage conversation and connection that would also complement the work of the Love the Square Committee and the Harrisonville Chamber of Commerce. The pianos are bright, colorful, artistically painted and inviting. They will be placed on the Square and in other areas of our city where people gather. People will be invited to play them. They will also be encouraged to take their photos and post them to our page. We presently have four pianos that have been donated or purchased at a very reasonable cost. One is being painted by local artist, Stephanie Roth, the second by another Harrisonville artist, Carla Henry. The third is being painted by Raymore artist Michelle Casas and the fourth piano by Harrisonville artist Desirree Van Niekerk. The Roth piano will be located on the Square at the Chamber office. The Henry piano will be placed at the Community Center. The Casas piano will be set at Mill Walk Mall and the Van Niekerk piano will have its home at the Harrisonville City Park. I am humbled by the excitement and involvement of the community in embracing this project. Please feel free to contact me or the Chamber of Commerce with your ideas or comments. We are always looking for additional artists, donated pianos and financial contributions. Stay tuned for more exciting news about this project! It is my goal that the pianos will bring the community together through random acts of public music! Judy Bowman is a Harrisonville Alderman in Ward 1. She may be reached at (816) 810-6365.
