"Melody" at Chastain Park
Design: Riya Kukreja
Artists: Midtown International School Students
Art Instructor: Sherilyn Taylor
Piano Donation: Sandra Bennett
Location: Chastain Park
Find and play Melody in the pavilion next to the playground. (Dudley Lane and W. Wieuca Rd.)
Melody retired in 2021.
She was replaced with Elmer.
Elmer is near the playground. Find and play him on the porch of the Chastain Arts Center.
Melody's
Story
Midtown International School (MIS) incorporated the painting one of our pianos into their art department curriculum for the 2017-18 calendar year. Choosing from approximately 40 submissions from the elementary students was no easy task! The winning design was created by fourth-grade student Riya Kukreja, and was painted as a collaborative effort across the entire student body.
“This has been quite an exciting project this year at MIS,” Sherilyn Taylor told us, Visual Arts Instructor at the school. “Everyone has enjoyed watching the gradual transformation of the piano as it turned into a colorful work of art. Having a second opportunity to work with Play Me Again Pianos has been an honor and a wonderful experience for everyone. I am proud of all the students who helped to make Melody happen.”
The first piano of ours painted by MIS occurred in the previous school year. Aragon, a spectacular dragon themed piano, lives in Ashford Park in Brookhaven.
Melody replaces our beloved piano named Janssen, the very first piano we placed, who boasts a stunning design by internationally acclaimed artist, Sergey Cherep. Janssen's unveiling coincided with the grand re-opening of the Chastain Park Playground in 2016.
“What a gift! The Chastain Park Conservancy is honored to have been the first recipient of a public piano from Play Me Again Pianos and is thrilled to be able to continue the tradition with Melody,” said Rosa McHugh, director of the Chastain Park Conservancy. “We are grateful to Play Me Again Pianos for sharing the love of music with us and with all who enjoy the Chastain Park Playground!"
It’s with a wistful sigh that it’s time to retire Janssen. He’ll always hold a special place in our hearts. But we’re delighted to share Melody with the Chastain community, and we’re quite sure that she’ll be embraced just as enthusiastically.
About Midtown International School
Midtown International School serves gifted and academically superior students who thrive in small class environments. The globally minded curriculum and problem-based instruction create a community of engaged global leaders dedicated to the values of respect, responsibility, citizenship and justice. For more information, visit MidtownInternationalSchool.com.
About The Chastain Park Conservancy
The Chastain Park Conservancy is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the stewardship of Troy Chastain Memorial Park’s natural and historic resources. Our mission is to restore, enhance, maintain and preserve the Park’s 268 acres for its over 2 million annual visitors. We do this through the support of individuals, volunteers, family foundations and local businesses. Together we achieve our daily goal of keeping the park clean, safe and green for all park users. For more information, visit ChastainParkConservancy.org.
Melody's Birthdate: May 20, 2018
Installation #14
Melody Retired: May 1, 2021
Share Your Melody Stories
If you have a story with Melody 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
#PMAPMelody