"Max" at the Chamblee Rail Trail

Artist:  Phillip Clark

Piano Donation:
John and Gayle Courembis

Location:  The Chamblee Rail Trail

Find and play Max on the Rail Trail under Clairmont Road near Peachtree Industrial Blvd behind the Chamblee Tucker Road Walmart.

Max's
Story

This newest piano was brought to life by multimedia artist, Phillips Clark, Chamblee resident, whose work combines elements of graphic design and traditional art. “My inspiration behind this project was born from the marriage of music and visuals,” said Clark. “I wanted to capture the essence of soundwaves, the way they move through the air, changing ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences. I envisioned musical notes transforming into colors. Max is a celebration of sound and sight.”

Having partnered with the City of Chamblee in 2017 to install Chamblee’s first public piano, Play Me Again Pianos is excited to extend that relationship for the debut of their 27th piano overall installation in the metro area. “Max” replaces “Irving” who was placed on the Rail Trail in April 2019 and was retired in October 2023. "We're immensely grateful to Play Me Again Pianos and Artist Phillip Clark for their generous contributions to the City of Chamblee," said Teneisha Jones, Chamblee Public Arts Coordinator. "We know that this project will bring joy to those who use the Rail Trail and will serve as areminder that music and art are essential elements of our vibrant community.”

There’s a second public piano in Chamblee inside the Plaza Fiesta Latin Mall.

About Phillip Clark

Phillip Clark, born in Raleigh, NC in 1974 and currently based in Atlanta, is a seasoned multimedia artist and designer. His creative journey began in 1995 under the mentorship of renowned artist Ray Shead. Clark's career flourished during his time in Boston, where he contributed significantly to Ciavarra Design and co-founded By Local, a group fostering the shop local movement. In 2003, Clark relocated Bluelucy to St. Pete, FL, initiating positive change in the local art scene and co-founding The Artillery in 2005. His leadership brought forth "I Love St. Pete," an annual art event, and "St. Pete Shuffle," revitalizing the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club. In 2010, Clark opened The Bluelucy Gallery, a transformative space on Central Ave, St. Pete, showcasing over 450 artists. After returning to Atlanta in 2016, he became an integral part of the city's burgeoning creative community. Clark's innovative art, ranging from small paintings to large public installations, incorporates diverse mediums and has earned a place in prestigious collections and museums, including the Smithsonian Design Museum, RISD Museum, Tampa Museum of Art, and Design Museum Boston. Today, he continues to push artistic boundaries, creating impactful works through experimentation with various materials and techniques. Visit www.TheArtillery.com for more information.

About the City of Chamblee

Located just 14 miles from downtown Atlanta, Chamblee is a vibrant urban city with a diverse community and international flair. The City of Chamblee began as a small rail town and was incorporated in 1908. It has grown to more than seven square miles and nearly 30,000 residents. Chamblee is home to a heavy rail MARTA station, a historic downtown and Antique Row, the vibrant Buford Highway corridor, DeKalb-Peachtree Airport (PDK), the Centers for Disease Control and a thriving business community with a unique sense of entrepreneurship and optimism. Visit www.ChambleeGa.gov for more information.

Max's Birthdate:  December 2, 2023
Installation #27

Share YOUR Max Stories

If you have a story with Irving that you'd like to share, please do so, we'd love to hear from you! We'd also enjoy seeing your pictures and videos.

Tag:
@PlayMeAgainPianos
#PMAPMax