Pianos in Parks
Spreading joy with public pianos
“Pianos in Parks” is a part of the international “public pianos” movement whose purpose is animating and decorating public spaces through visual art and community interaction.
Each year we showcase between 5 and 8 free to play pianos. The pianos are placed in high profile, accessible, public spaces throughout downtown Kelowna and Rutland to encourage residents and visitors to showcase their ‘inner Mozart’.
The pianos are typically available to play from mid-June to early September and can usually be found at:
- Stuart Park, 1414 Water Street
- Artwalk
(between the Library Parkade and Kelowna Courthouse) - Art Commons
(at the Rotary Centre for the Arts) - Roxby Square in Rutland, Hwy 33
- Kerry Park (beside Ogopogo)
- Bernard Ave, 400 Block
Painted by local artists in a collaborative effort, the pianos have showcased the artwork of local visual artists such as Jolene Mackie, Alex Fong, Mark Ocampo, Shannon Wilson, Bobby Vandenhoorn, Rutland Secondary School art students, and members of the Festivals Kelowna staff team.
Featured artists for 2021 were:
- Barb Dawson
- Coralee Miller
- Ruth Nygard
A special thanks
A very special thank you to our key program partners without whose assistance “Pianos in Parks” would not be possible:
- Wentworth Music, 2022 Presenting Partner
- Our ‘piano man’ Elmer Epp, Okanagan Piano Services
- City of Kelowna, Parks and Cultural Services departments
