We're thrilled that you want to paint a piano!
Below, we've answered some
Frequently Asked Questions

1. When do you need artists?

   • We ALWAYS need artists -- even if a piano is not waiting to be painted. Don't be shy about contacting us.  You can sketch a picture of a piano with the specific design that you envision and submit the rendering. Alternately, you can send us a few pictures of work that you've painted already that's in the same style you would paint the piano. We’ll keep your submission on file to show to future piano host locations.
     

2. Can I submit more than one concept?

   • Absolutely! We welcome as many concepts as you'd like to create and all styles are also welcomed. Each placement has it's own character and we sometimes obtain input from the host location, so we never know which idea will strike the right 'chord.’
     

3. Are there any design requirements?

   • We want interactions with our project to be upbeat and joyful experiences, so please keep that in mind when you create your design, think family friendly. Our goal isn't for the pianos to be thought provoking, we want them to be smile generators!

   • To simplify ongoing maintenance, especially for outdoor pianos, we specifically request painted pianos rather than craft projects. If you want to do something craftsy, we'll need to discuss your idea.

   • All wording needs to be preapproved.
     

4. What size piano will I be painting?

   • There are four sizes of upright pianos. From shortest to tallest they are spinet, console, studio and full upright. We don’t use the ‘old timey’ full uprights. We favor the studio size but the donations are usually console size pianos. So though it will most likely be a console, you should be prepared to alter your concept to suit the specific piano that gets donated at that time.
     (Note that we usually remove the music stand.)
     

5. Where do I work on the piano?

   • Currently the artist must have a work space/studio location into which we can easily deliver the pianos (without stairs, or with just a few).  Occasionally the host location has a place where the work can be done.
     

6. What is expected of the artist?

   • We provide an Artist Guide for painting the pianos, but here are the main points:

     • Sand the piano and the bench. They don't need to be sanded down to the bare wood, just enough for the primer to adhere.

     • Prime and paint the piano and the bench. Even if the paint has primer mixed in, apply a separate coat of primer first.

     • Include the phrase "Play Me Again" painted in a contrasting color on the long side of the bench (see rough sketch).

     • Apply at two thin coats of a clear protective layer (rather than one thick coat) to both the piano and the bench. One quart is enough for two coats for the average spinet or console piano.

     • The artist provides the material needed for the work.
       

7. Do I need to include the back of the piano?

   • It depends on where the piano will be placed, we'll make that decision once we know the location for the piano that you're painting.
     

8. What type of paint should I use?

   • You choose the type of paint, however we request that you paint in a method that will dry in a matter of days rather than months.
     

9. How will my contribution be acknowledged?

   • You’ll be invited to sign the piano just as you would any other painting.

   • Your name will appear on an engraved plate on the piano itself.

   • You're acknowledged in the press release and invited to provide a quote about your inspiration for the design concept or about the project as a whole.

   • You'll be invited to cut the ribbon at the unveiling event.

   • You'll be credited on the 'Play Me Again Pianos' website story page for the piano.

   • You'll be credited on the Google Map "Public Pianos in Metro Atlanta."
     

10. Do I get paid for painting the piano?

    • Being a 'Play Me Again Pianos' artist is a volunteer activity. We are a registered 501(c)(3) Georgia charity and can provide a receipt for any materials considered tax deductible (please consult your tax professional to determine what qualifies).

    • In some cases a stipend may be available for an artist.
      

11. Who owns the piano?

    • The pianos are donated to and will remain the property of Play Me Again Pianos.
      

12. Who names the piano?

    • We at Play Me Again Pianos name all of our pianos. We welcome all suggestions!
      

13. Submission Requirements:

    • Artist contact information including name, phone number, and email address.
      If applying as an artist team, please designate one team member as the primary contact.

    • Artist studio address for piano delivery.
      Any more than a few stairs may disqualify a space. Please include pictures of all stairs that would be involved in order to move the piano into the work space.

    • A rendering of the proposed piano design showing all sides of the piano.
      Artists may download an the optional design template from this web page.

    • Estimated total time needed to complete the prep, painting, and finish work.

    • Brief artist biography.

    • Send all items in one email to: Staff@PlayMeAgainPianos.org.