news-record.com

GREENSBORO — Chicago displayed its decorated fiberglass cows on sidewalks.

Lexington paraded its painted Pigs in the City. New Bern has its Bear Town Bears.

Soon Greensboro will have “Pianos Paint the Town.”

As part of the new 17 Days arts festival from Sept. 22 through Oct. 8, 17 pianos decorated by artists will be displayed in high-traffic public spaces — mostly indoors — throughout the city.

“The arts community in Greensboro is a major force in driving this community, and why people want to be here and live here,” said Tom Philion, president of the United Arts Council of Greater Greensboro, the festival’s coordinator.

“What better way to express that than to use an iconic symbol, like a piano?”

Piedmont Music Center will donate 17 used pianos. The News & Record has provided a grant.

During the 17 Days festival, arts organizations will present more than 85 concerts, plays, dance performances, art displays and other entertainment, in venues across the city.

The arts council is seeking local and regional artists interested in painting or decorating a piano. Once decorated, they will be tuned, displayed and available for play.

Among sites so far: Cone Health; Triad Stage lobby, 232 S. Elm St.; Greensboro Cultural Center atrium, 200 N. Davie St.; Mack and Mack, 220 S. Elm St.; and the News & Record lobby, 200 E. Market St.

Pianos will be auctioned to private buyers during the festival to raise money for 17 Days, with part of the proceeds going to the piano’s artist.