Ever think about painting an unusual object? How about a piano? Well, now is your chance. Wausau River District partnered with the Wausau Center Mall to bring the Painted Piano Project indoors for the winter, and are preparing to hold open studio hours each Saturday from 11a.m.-2p.m. in the mall’s center court.
Paulina Twerberg, a Wausau River District intern from Wausau EGL Academy, will be hosting the studio hours each Saturday, and she’s excited to get started.
“The Painted Piano Project is the perfect way for community members to add their own color to the canvas of Wausau. I can’t wait to get started!” says Twerberg.

“I think the other part of this project that’s so appealing is its draw to bring together so many community partners. From Wausau Canvas’s donation to the Mall’s inclusion, to the Attic crew who moved the pianos that are in the mall, to those kind enough to donate their pianos in the first place, to the people who actually create the finished product – it’s exciting to see so many folks come together around a craft that adds interest to the community,” says Elizabeth Brodek Field, executive director of Wausau River District.

Wausau’s first painted piano was created during First Thursdays throughout June and July 2016. Wausau River District organizers estimate that about 40 people took part in creating that piano. It was placed on the corner of Third and Scott Streets in August and was recently replaced due to damage from various weather conditions. The new piano at the corner is covered with a custom-made slip cover donated by Wausau Canvas to protect it from such damage.

Moving the pianos is no small task. Wausau River District partnered with Attic Correctional to bring in four new pianos to the mall, and move others. The seven-person crew worked for six straight hours on Saturday, 1/14, to get the project ready for studio hours to start on Saturday, 1/21. Some of the pianos have been in families for generations but were simply taking up space.
“Donating the pianos to this project is a way that they can see a second life and serve a greater purpose in the community,” explains Brodek Field.

Painted piano studio hours will continue in the Mall through May and will be re-examined for summer hours at that time. Wausau River District is continuing to accept donations of pianos for the project. If interested, contact Elizabeth Brodek Field at (715)297-1829 or elizabeth@wausauriverdistrict.org.