In the past year, public art has erupted within the nooks and crannies of downtown Starkville. Some new and unique contributions to downtown’s art culture are the three pianos between the Starkville Community Theatre and 929 Coffee Bar, outside Pop Porium and on a breezeway off Main Street.
Starkville Mayor Lynn Spruill prompted the first piano to hit the streets, located between the 929 Coffee Bar and the Starkville Community Theatre.
The mayor said the idea sprouted from a YouTube video she saw of a homeless man playing a street piano. Spruill, being a dedicated advocate for public art, said she immediately initiated the idea for downtown Starkville.
After a piano was donated, she tweeted about needing someone to paint the piano, and Elizabeth “Isa” Stratton-Beaulidu jumped at the opportunity. This was not the local artist’s first time painting an instrument; however, Beaulidu noted it was her first instrumental project on such a large scale.
Beaulidu said she feels it is important to offer public spaces for artistic expression because art, to her, “is everything, even down to the tiniest detail.” Spruill later added, not having public art “would be a crime.”
Gabe Smith, chief administrative officer of the Starkville Community Theatre (SCT), observed putting the piano outside SCT promotes a lively atmosphere downtown by bringing community members together in a unique way.
He said unsuspecting pianists, such as construction workers, often stun passersby with their musical ability. Smith estimated about 30 people will interact with the piano hourly, ranging from small performances, practicing piano lessons or simply photographing the piano.
The piano outside Pop Porium has a different genesis. Rosa Dalomba, owner of the popcorn store, said Starkville resident Patti Drapala contacted her about donating the piano.
Dalomba was enthusiastic about the idea, and picked up the piano soon after their phone call. Since then, the piano, affectionally named “Bettye Jo” after Drapala’s late mother, has received much attention as well.
Dalomba said when the piano was first put on the streets, an opera singer and pianist once performed, and a small audience promptly gathered. She also mentioned a man who routinely plays the piano every time he finishes a run, and a piano dual once erupted between the pianists on Bettye Jo verus the piano outside the SCT.
Dalomba not only has a piano outside the store, but also has a cello inside Pop Porium. Dalomba said she is dedicated to offering a public place for musical expression.
“The one thing we can all fall in love with and find common ground in is music,” Dalomba said.
Downtown Starkville’s third and, for now, final piano was donated by Jeremiah Dumas. The piano is currently undergoing repairs, but is expected to be completely restored and painted by October. The piano can be found in the breezeway between Swanky Boutique and Main Street Living.
No matter musical background and talent, Starkville’s street pianos are bringing a new sense of community and joy to the pianists, singers and listeners throughout the entire community.