While hundreds of musicians will be pumping out jams throughout Fullerton, some visual artists will make their presence known in quieter forms such as the “Tickle My Keys” piano showcase. Five decked out pianos will be placed at Fullerton Library, Max Bloom’s Cafe Noir, Fullerton Arboretum, Juanita Cooke Trail, and Salon Bernardo. Artists currently adding their touch to the instruments include Myra Bryan, Jennifer Hernandez, Shannon LeClair, Denise Marshall, and Rene Cardona and Emily Heller who are collaborating on a piano. If you too are feeling artsy this Tuesday then stop by the Fullerton Train Station to add some flare to a 6th piano open to the public’s designs.
We spoke to one of the “Tickle My Keys” participating artist, Myra Bryan, as she geared up for Fullerton’s Day of Music by working on her piano at the majestic Magoski Art Colony in Downtown Fullerton.
Even though Bryan is a visual artist, she calls music her “companion” as she listens to music throughout the day at her office and during her painting sessions. “The first time my heart got broken, a song helped me.” She says while reminiscing how Pearl Jam’s “Black” was cathartic to her. “Oh my god, I cried with that song.” Bryan laughs.
A high admiration for feminity is central in Bryan’s art which is why she originally wanted her piano to focus on inspirational women of rock. “But how can you forget the Beatles? How can you leave David Bowie out?” Bryan explained. Instead, she decided to focus on all musicians who have sparked social consciousness with their music. Yet the empowering women that did make the cut are Kim Gordon, Esmeralda Spalding, Billie Holiday, Siouxie from Siouxie and the Banshees, Nina Simone and of course, Janis Joplin. Honorable mentions include Chrissie Hynde, Sleater-Kinney and Kathleen Hanna of Bikini Kill.
Other musicians featured include The Sex Pistols, Jimmy Hendrix, Johnny Cash and Jack White which represent “different genres and different ages” according to Bryan. A facial mash-up of David Bowie and Prince faces the middle front of the piano in a unique tribute to both rock legends who passed away this year.
Bob Dylan will also be featured along with lyrics from his anti-war anthem, “Masters of War.” “I hate wars and I hate what they
Other lyrics of social awareness that Bryan considered were just about all of
As a member of the Magoski Arts Colony for approximately two years, Bryan also plans to add 30 locks to her piano to represent the 30 artists in the Colony —a gesture influenced by the love locks tradition in Paris.
While Bryan’s piano is still in progress, the finished product will be ready along with others just in time for Tuesday’s event. Not only will your ears rejoice in Fullerton on Tuesday but your eyes will too.
All pianos will be for sale after the event ends. All are priced at $300. Anyone interested can contact de************@ho*****.com.” target=”_blank”>Destiny Osmialowski. For more information on The Day of Music Fullerton go to thedayofmusic.com
