NEVADA CITY, CA — The City of Nevada City is pleased to announce the launch of its “Painted Pianos” program, a vibrant public art initiative designed to celebrate creativity, foster community engagement, and enhance the unique charm of our historic downtown.

Building on the success of the City’s Public Arts Commission established in 2023, the Painted Pianos program represents Nevada City’s continued commitment to making art accessible to all residents and visitors while adding to the city’s cultural vibrancy.

“The Painted Pianos program embodies our strategic vision of creating a more vibrant community through public art,” said Mayor Gary Petersen. “We’re excited to transform functional instruments into beautiful works of art that everyone can enjoy and interact with throughout our downtown area.”

Program Timeline and Development
Originally approved by the City Council on August 28, 2024, the program includes a pilot phase beginning this spring, followed by a full deployment:

  • April 8, 2025: Official Call to Artists released.
  • May 2, 2025: Call to Artists Closes and Artist Selection will Occur
  • June 2025: Painted Pianos Grace the Streets of Nevada City

Artist Opportunities
Starting today, local artists can apply for the opportunity to transform donated pianos into stunning works of public art. The Public Arts Commission will oversee the artist selection process. Nevada City encourages painters to consider applying. The call to Artist link is here: https://forms.office.com/g/wg7cjSTj0J

“We’re looking forward to showcasing the incredible talent of our local artists while creating interactive art pieces that invite both visual appreciation and musical participation,” said Public Arts Commission Chair’s Celine Negrete.

Community Impact
The Painted Pianos program joins other successful public art initiatives in Nevada City, including the CHAMP Gallery (City Hall Art Meets the Public). These efforts align with the City’s 2023 Strategic Plan initiative of Vibrancy, which aims to enhance Nevada City’s cultural landscape through accessible public art.

The pianos will be placed at strategic locations throughout the downtown area, inviting spontaneous musical performances and creating new gathering spaces for community members and visitors alike.

Visit NevadaCityCA.gov/PaintedPianos for more information about the Painted Pianos program or to learn about the Public Arts Commission.