Downtown
It's the third year for the #HappyMaking piano project, with the pianos set up in public spaces, from street corners to bus shelters, for people to play and enjoy.
"I think it's whimsy. There's not enough whimsy in the world," said Marty Williams, Executive Director of the Downtown Guelph Business Association.
"You don't expect to walk by someone playing the piano. You walk by on the street and it's unexpected to see someone playing a piano in a bus shelter.
"It just adds something nice to the environment."
This year will see pianos at the following locations for the month of September: Guelph Community Health Centre, Grey Rock, Clothing Co., Planet Bean, Pod Designs, River Run Centre, Thomas Video, Tithorea, Volunteer Centre of Guelph- Wellington, and the main branch of the Guelph Public Library. Guelph Transit will host two pianos, one at Platform #12 and the other in the transit shelter near the fountain in
The first #HappyMaking piano project was in 2013, started by Ian Findlay who put one outside his Thomas Video on
People were not only encouraged to play that piano, but also decorate it with markers.
It's grown in scope and popularity since then.
"We have a waiting list of places looking to have one," Williams said. "It's kind of a delightful start to the fall season."
Lessons have been learned.
Initially the pianos were not locked up overnight. That led to some issues as people played music into the wee hours of the morning.
"We have to remember that people live downtown too and might not appreciate a version of 'Don't Stop Believing' at
Beth Timlin, owner of Grey Rock Clothing Co. has hosted #HappyMaking pianos in the past.
“I continue to have the #HappyMaking pianos in front of the store because I think the project is a great idea," Timlin said.
"It provides people with a unique outlet for a bit of creativity and it’s also a great way to engage with people. We hear everything on our piano from chopsticks to beautiful classic pieces."
