The Vision Behind Miss Mary
- Leslie Buckner
- May 4
- 1 min read
A Piano with a Purpose: Project Overview
The Miss Mary Piano Project is not just an art installation—it’s a celebration of live performance, human connection, and community spirit.
I was honored to be selected by the Oceanside Cultural Arts Foundation (OCAF) in partnership with the Brooks Theater Gallery to transform an upright piano into a dynamic, public work of art for the Sunshine Brooks Theatre in Oceanside, California.
This project is part of a city-wide initiative placing playable, artist-painted pianos in key cultural hubs. These pianos are designed to spark spontaneous joy, musical interaction, and community engagement.
For my piece, I created a dynamic theatrical design inspired by jazz, musical performance, improv, and the golden age of cinema—all of which reflect the vibrant, artistic soul of the Brooks Theatre. The painted piano features bold, colorful figures, visual rhythm, and scenes that represent the diversity of artistic expression and the spirit of live performance.
“This project is more than paint on a piano—it’s a celebration of what brings us together: music, theater, and shared creativity.”
My design honors men and women performers, past and present, and symbolizes the unity, joy, and identity that the performing arts bring to our lives.
By placing vibrant visual storytelling into a public, musical format, this piano reflects the theater’s commitment to expanding access to the arts and serving as a cultural beacon for North San Diego County.
The final artwork will be unveiled at the Sunshine Brooks Theatre on Friday, June 13, 2025—but the magic is happening all month long. Stay with me on this journey!
With creativity and community,
B.J. Lane
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