Artists announced for downtown piano project

The local arts initiative aimed at placing six pianos in downtown Sarasota for public use continues to move forward.

This week, the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County announced the artists chosen to paint the pianos before they are displayed downtown. The group includes curator Tim Jaeger, Jack Dowd, Richard Capes, Gale Fulton Ross, Lori Loveberry George, Cassia Kite and Steven Strenk — Kite and Jaeger will partner on one piano, according to a news release.

The Sarasota City Commission supported the initiative, dubbed Sarasota Keys, with a 3-2 vote Monday, Dec. 2. Proponents hope the plan will promote the arts and provide a vibrant branding opportunity for downtown.

“Each of these artists were selected because of their significant contributions to the artistic fabric of Sarasota,” said Arts and Cultural Alliance Executive Director Jim Shirley in the release. “We are thrilled that each of these legacy artists will create original works of art using an unconventional canvas that will enliven the downtown Sarasota district with music and art.”