Title: A Day of Color, Care, and Creativity

(Image generated by ChatGPT)

Today in the studio, Miss Mary’s story danced forward—literally! I began work on the bottom front side of the piano, where seven spirited cancan dancers will soon be kicking their legs high in unison. Painted in vivid purples, oranges, blues, and yellows, they’ll soon bring an explosion of joy and rhythm to the front of the piano.

Yes, this image was created by ChatGPT. I can’t reveal REAL photos of today’s progress just yet (we’re saving those for the big reveal!), but I am offering exclusive sneak peeks of the real deal to those who contribute to the project. My first four donors have already received glimpses of the top front section. With $190 raised so far, your support has already helped cover nearly half the cost of the enamel paint recommended by Blick Art Supplies—tough, durable, and vibrant, but expensive and challenging to work with because it dries incredibly fast. Other costs are brushes, primer, base coat, hardware, and other painting supplies, besides the hours of labor put in to this wonderful project. WOW! This is hard work, BUT ... TRULY EXCITNG! Just think of it! Community Involvement, Collaboration and Public ENGAGING Art that highlights Music, Theater, and Fine Art COMBINED ❤️

Meanwhile, I also focused on the piano’s key cover. When Miss Mary arrived, it was broken. Thanks to my wonderful husband’s repair work, it now glides smoothly. I decided to paint a set of piano keys on the outside of the cover itself—an illusion that keeps the music alive, even when the keys are tucked away. We also added elegant black knobs to complete the transformation.

Collaborators like Joel Anderson have brought even more richness to this project. Joel’s portraits of five composers are now gracing the back of the piano, and I’m working to add their names and lifespans to honor their legacies.

This journey wouldn’t be possible without the beautiful network of people surrounding me—studio volunteers, idea-sharers, paint helpers, friends who’ve donated, and the incredible caregivers stepping in to support my daughter. I am so deeply grateful.

Want a sneak peek?

Help bring Miss Mary to life!

Donate here: https://gofund.me/949eaca3

Or donate directly—check, money order, PayPal, or bank deposit. Every gift counts.

Send check or money order to

BJ Lane

855 South Main Ave., Ste K#346

Fallbrook CA 92028

USA

It’s a beautiful day. And Miss Mary is beginning to sing. I can hear the music--can you?