The Jessye Norman School of the Arts is pleased to announce that on September 10th, 2024 at 3 p.m. the final painted piano as sponsored by the Porter Fleming Foundation will be placed in front of the Destination Augusta/Augusta &Co. building located at 1010 Broad St. in beautiful downtown Augusta, Georgia 30901.

The piano was created by artist Tripp Gustin and commissioned by The Jessye Norman School of The Arts as a part of Project Forte, the Painted Piano Project. Tripp incorporated iconic Augusta landmarks and themes in his piano. He’s an accomplished artist and arts administrator employed with the Augusta Arts Council.

The Porter Fleming Foundation sponsored three new pianos for the community. The first by Francie Klopotic is at Washington Hall on the AU Summerville Campus, the second by Adeana Berry is in the lobby of the Augusta Transit Authority Bus Terminal on Broad Street. This is the final piano of the series.

Some of the other painted pianos past and present include three at The Jessye Norman School of The Arts, The Miller Theater, Doctor’s Hospital, and more.

The Mission of the Jessye Norman School of the Arts is to develop students to become creative, caring, visionary, responsible citizens through the transformative power of the arts. The Piano Project has become a vehicle for connecting businesses, non-profits, artists, and for providing students clear examples of how art happens and how it can impact the community in which they live.

If you would like further information please email Gary Dennis at [email protected] or call (706) 814-0665.