Painting Pianos with Sing for Hope and Seniors in NYC
In December of 2022, I kicked-off a partnership with nonprofit organization Sing for Hope, to launch and lead intergenerational piano design art workshops with the NYC Department for the Aging. We hosted the workshops at a NYCHA community center in Harlem and Brownsville!
Over the course of six workshops at each location, senior citizens and youth gathered for an hour to discuss design ideas for the pianos that would live permanently in their community centers. We explored color symbolism, the power of names, and the value of community. We shared creative ideas, painted, exchanged life stories, and discussed the future of their pianos.
We worked together to develop unique designs using vibrant colors that would inspire community members to freely and creatively express themselves. We developed a color map for the pianos and brought all of our ideas into fruition.
“Sing for Hope harnesses the power of the arts to create a better world. We champion art for all because we believe the arts have an unmatched capacity to uplift, unite, and heal.”
For many of the seniors who participated, it was a joy for them, because the workshops gave them something fun to look forward to. There were some seniors who gathered regularly to crochet and knit together, and as we discussed ideas for the piano, we thought it would be interesting to include their creations into the piano design. They became inspired and excited to make crocheted and knitted butterflies, flowers, rainbows, clouds, and rain drops as part of the “garden” themes! This program created a beautiful opportunity for youth and seniors to get together for the purpose of creative collaboration. Some grandparents joined with their grandchildren. It was truly special to see them share space.
Here’s a glimpse of the workshops, the final piano designs, and group photos at the celebratory ribbon cutting events. WE PAINTED PIANOS!
In Harlem
In Brownsville
“I am so happy, because as a child I had a piano. I had to give mine away, but now I can come to the community center and play whenever it’s available.” - Brownsville Senior Citizen
It brought me so much joy to work within the community as a Sing for Hope artist partner and lead for this intergenerational arts-based program.
To learn more about Sing for Hope, visit singforhope.org