New York City 2024

[{"id":59,"created_at":"2024-05-30T07:32:54.86846-04:00","program_id":1241128,"site_title":"Kensington Plaza","site_location":"Kensington Plaza","site_description":"-","lat":40.6428598534866,"lon":-73.9789333293546,"pianos":[{"id":39,"piano_title":"A Spark of the Divine in All of Us","piano_image":"https://app.singforhope.org/storage/v1/object/public/uploads/uppy/7.jpg","piano_statement":"The inspiration behind my piano design was the idea that everyone is born with a spark of the divine -- that we are all connected spiritually, serve a greater purpose, can heal ourselves and each other, as well as break cycles. I represent this through whimsical, winding sparks that flow into plant-like tendrils, multicolored stars, planted seeds, and dancing figures. I hope that playing this piano will allow you to feel a little more connected to your best self.","created_at":"2024-05-15T16:41:44.527972-04:00","piano_url":"a-spark-of-the-divine-in-all-of-us","piano_artist":null,"piano_year":"2024","artist_name":"Sally Chen","piano_program":"1241128","piano_artist_bio":"Sally Chen (they/she/he) is a queer, non-binary, second-generation Chinese (specifically Taishanese!) American multidisciplinary artist who’s born, raised, & based in Brooklyn, NYC. They graduated from Parsons School of Design with a BFA in Illustration and Psychology minor in 2022. Through their work, they seek to create joy, laughter, instill softness, and maintain resiliency as often in a world that often feels too tough to be in. Whether this takes the form of whimsical, textured, and immersive illustrations awash with poetry, sculptural pieces, or silly animations, it’s important to them to create work that speaks to their identity and culture whilst uplifting those around them.","permanent_home_name":null,"contributors_info":null,"perm_lat":null,"perm_lng":null,"artist_photo":"https://app.singforhope.org/storage/v1/object/public/uploads/uploads/7) Sally Chen.png","artist_website_url":null,"artist_facebook_url":null,"artist_instagram_url":null,"public_location_name":"Kensington Plaza - 9AM-6PM daily","piano_search":null,"search_vector":null,"piano_site":59}]},{"id":58,"created_at":"2024-05-30T07:24:35.77302-04:00","program_id":1241128,"site_title":"Queens County Farm Museum","site_location":"73-50 Little Neck Pkwy, Queens, NY 11004","site_description":"-\n","lat":40.747673545473,"lon":-73.7219951746376,"pianos":[{"id":37,"piano_title":"Blossoming Fruit","piano_image":"https://app.singforhope.org/storage/v1/object/public/uploads/uppy/9.jpg","piano_statement":"Beautiful blossoms in spring develop into delicious fruit that nourish our senses. This piece showcases the fruit and their blooms simultaneously.","created_at":"2024-05-15T16:40:26.852521-04:00","piano_url":"blossoming-fruit","piano_artist":null,"piano_year":"2024","artist_name":"May Yu","piano_program":"1241128","piano_artist_bio":"May Yu is an artist who loves depicting the beauty of nature.","permanent_home_name":null,"contributors_info":null,"perm_lat":null,"perm_lng":null,"artist_photo":"https://app.singforhope.org/storage/v1/object/public/uploads/uploads/5) May Yu.jpg","artist_website_url":null,"artist_facebook_url":null,"artist_instagram_url":null,"public_location_name":"Queens County Farm Museum - 10AM-4PM daily","piano_search":null,"search_vector":null,"piano_site":58}]},{"id":51,"created_at":"2024-05-30T07:17:50.784667-04:00","program_id":1241128,"site_title":"Forest Park","site_location":"Queens, NY","site_description":"80-30 Park Ln, Kew Gardens","lat":40.7107915366921,"lon":-73.8354988122869,"pianos":[{"id":43,"piano_title":"Queen Of Egypt","piano_image":"https://app.singforhope.org/storage/v1/object/public/uploads/uppy/4.jpg","piano_statement":"This Sing For Hope piano I've crafted becomes a vessel, weaving together the tapestry of my Egyptian heritage and pride. Inspired by the iconic allure of Queen Nefertiti, her gaze captivating the soul, and adorned with intricate hieroglyphs, my design breathes life into the ancient wonders of Egypt. I have also added modern images– camels traversing the golden dunes, a nod to the resilience and adaptability ingrained in our heritage.","created_at":"2024-05-15T16:41:59.757616-04:00","piano_url":"queen-of-egypt","piano_artist":null,"piano_year":"2024","artist_name":"Martina Hanna","piano_program":"1241128","piano_artist_bio":"Martina Hanna, born in Egypt, immigrated to the United States as a young child and is currently based in New Jersey where she is growing her full-time art practice. Hanna took an interest in drawing and painting as early as 3 years old but decided to pursue art more actively after realizing the effect it had on being able to express her perception of the world. She studied at Mason Gross School of the Arts and in 2019, received her BFA with a concentration in painting. Hanna has been included in multiple group exhibitions in the New York/ New Jersey area.","permanent_home_name":null,"contributors_info":null,"perm_lat":null,"perm_lng":null,"artist_photo":"https://app.singforhope.org/storage/v1/object/public/uploads/uploads/11) Martina Hanna.jpeg","artist_website_url":null,"artist_facebook_url":null,"artist_instagram_url":null,"public_location_name":"Forest Park - 8AM-7PM daily","piano_search":null,"search_vector":null,"piano_site":51}]},{"id":57,"created_at":"2024-05-30T07:23:46.703825-04:00","program_id":1241128,"site_title":"Lippman Plaza","site_location":"Lippman Plaza, Queens, NY 11354","site_description":"-","lat":40.7606474543849,"lon":-73.8279285169659,"pianos":[{"id":41,"piano_title":"Restore","piano_image":"https://app.singforhope.org/storage/v1/object/public/uploads/uppy/bill1.jpg","piano_statement":"What I hope for this piece is to serve as a reflection on the transformative potential of compassion and empathy. A visual representation of peace and the possibility for restoration and renewal.","created_at":"2024-05-15T16:41:51.646624-04:00","piano_url":"restore","piano_artist":null,"piano_year":"2024","artist_name":"Christina Vandian","piano_program":"1241128","piano_artist_bio":"Christina Vandian is an Armenian-American Mixed Media Artist based in New York City. She briefly attended the Parsons School of Design for Fine Arts until she dropped out to change her career path. In 2020 she received her Masters Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and currently works with children and adults with developmental disabilities. Her fascination with human behavior, thought and emotion is what leads her to create work. She finds her muse in nature and with a strong penchant for exploration, enjoys using organic substances such as sand, glass, rocks, wood, crystals and flowers in her pieces inviting the contemplation of growth, decay and renewal. Although all of her work is very personal she is inspired by the way each person has the ability to interpret things differently and therefore likes to leave her artwork minimally defined in order to open a dialogue between the viewers and the art.\n","permanent_home_name":null,"contributors_info":null,"perm_lat":null,"perm_lng":null,"artist_photo":"https://app.singforhope.org/storage/v1/object/public/uploads/uploads/image0.jpeg","artist_website_url":null,"artist_facebook_url":null,"artist_instagram_url":null,"public_location_name":"Lippman Plaza - 8AM-10PM daily","piano_search":null,"search_vector":null,"piano_site":57}]},{"id":56,"created_at":"2024-05-30T07:22:55.590088-04:00","program_id":1241128,"site_title":"Greeley Square Park","site_location":"Greeley Square Park","site_description":"-","lat":40.7488357446827,"lon":-73.9883811375178,"pianos":[{"id":33,"piano_title":"Threnody for Vincent and Theo","piano_image":"https://app.singforhope.org/storage/v1/object/public/uploads/uppy/13.jpg","piano_statement":"This piano pays tribute to Vincent Van Gogh and his brother Theo. I chose Vincent's iconic sunflowers as an homage to the master and his ever-supportive brother. Van Gogh died tragically at age 37 and his brother Theo died six months later at age 33. The piano design also has a lush golden lower half that contrasts with the vibrant colors of the upper design. I plan on painting this piano in my signature vibrant impasto style which will also recalls Van Goghs exuberant application of color. The sunflowers themselves will be very dimensionally painted.","created_at":"2024-05-15T16:32:00.377161-04:00","piano_url":"threnody-for-vincent-and-theo","piano_artist":null,"piano_year":"2024","artist_name":"Christopher Spinelli","piano_program":"1241128","piano_artist_bio":"My journey through the world of art began when I first decorated my parents’ bedroom set with colored chalk. A graduate of the School of Visual Arts, I took a 20 year unplanned hiatus from painting to raise a family and work multiple jobs. Since returning to the world of art as a teacher and painter in 2011 I have been exhibiting my work both in the states and internationally. Over the past seven years I have partnered with Sing for Hope to create seven painted pianos that have been displayed on the streets of New York City, at the Stonewall National Monument, as part of at Hudson Yards’ Holiday Display and at a Refugee Camp in Athens, Greece. My work has also graced a MINI Countryman that drove around NYC during the summer of 2018 bringing pop-up concerts to all corners of the city. Much of my art focuses on exploring and painting a New York that is quickly slipping into the past including childhood fascination with Coney Island. I have been documenting Coney Island in drawings, paintings and photography since the late 1980’s. I am also an avid gardener and insect enthusiast seemingly since birth and images of flowers from garden also inform much of my work and my color palette. My passion for art has been reignited since I began teaching a class at Regis High School in 2011 for academically gifted yet economically disadvantaged children of immigrants.","permanent_home_name":null,"contributors_info":null,"perm_lat":null,"perm_lng":null,"artist_photo":"https://app.singforhope.org/storage/v1/object/public/uploads/uploads/1) Christopher Spinelli.jpg","artist_website_url":null,"artist_facebook_url":null,"artist_instagram_url":null,"public_location_name":"Greeley Square Park - daily 7AM-9PM","piano_search":null,"search_vector":null,"piano_site":56}]},{"id":54,"created_at":"2024-05-30T07:20:58.699218-04:00","program_id":1241128,"site_title":"Crotona Park Tennis Center","site_location":"Crotona Ave & E. 173d St, Bronx, NY 10457","site_description":"-","lat":40.8406640724225,"lon":-73.8948359151132,"pianos":[{"id":45,"piano_title":"Mew York City","piano_image":"https://app.singforhope.org/storage/v1/object/public/uploads/uppy/bill.jpg","piano_statement":"Bodega cats are a New York City staple, like a baconeggandcheeseonaroll!","created_at":"2024-05-15T16:42:06.388034-04:00","piano_url":"mew-york-city","piano_artist":null,"piano_year":"2024","artist_name":"Lovie Pignata","piano_program":"1241128","piano_artist_bio":"Lovie Pignata is a Bronx based artist who is recognized as resourceful in activating public spaces with site relevant themes in interactive installations. She incorporates local history, culture, wildlife and nature along with the impractical or whimsical elements. Lovie works in a variety of mediums to achieve the desired end result for her work. Adapting to new materials and sharing the experience is often part of her process. Her work often includes hidden clues and imagery only a local resident may know but a visitor’s interest may be piqued. Lovie creates a sense of space whether she is working in two or three dimensions.","permanent_home_name":null,"contributors_info":null,"perm_lat":null,"perm_lng":null,"artist_photo":"https://app.singforhope.org/storage/v1/object/public/uploads/uploads/13) Lovie Pignata.jpeg","artist_website_url":null,"artist_facebook_url":null,"artist_instagram_url":null,"public_location_name":"Crotona Park Tennis Center - 9AM-8PM daily","piano_search":null,"search_vector":null,"piano_site":54}]},{"id":55,"created_at":"2024-05-30T07:21:50.513437-04:00","program_id":1241128,"site_title":"Myrtle Avenue & Hall Street","site_location":"Brooklyn, NY 11205, United States","site_description":"-","lat":40.6936656691638,"lon":-73.9659423288356,"pianos":[{"id":47,"piano_title":"Sunlight Comforter","piano_image":"https://app.singforhope.org/storage/v1/object/public/uploads/uppy/santoriello1.jpg","piano_statement":"Sunlight Comforter was born from a desire to bring free flowing abundant summertime joy to the grey streets of New York City. Let yourself be embraced by the warm wiggly wave of goopy molten sunlight. Everyone will find different forms in these shapes. Are they flowers? Birds? Skeletons? Monsters? An erupting volcano? What do you see?","created_at":"2024-05-15T16:42:13.058768-04:00","piano_url":"sunlight-comforter","piano_artist":null,"piano_year":"2024","artist_name":"Arianna Santoriello","piano_program":"1241128","piano_artist_bio":null,"permanent_home_name":null,"contributors_info":null,"perm_lat":null,"perm_lng":null,"artist_photo":"https://app.singforhope.org/storage/v1/object/public/uploads/uploads/15) Arianna Santoriello.jpeg","artist_website_url":null,"artist_facebook_url":null,"artist_instagram_url":null,"public_location_name":"Myrtle Avenue & Hall Street - 9AM-8PM daily","piano_search":null,"search_vector":null,"piano_site":55}]},{"id":52,"created_at":"2024-05-30T07:18:54.170117-04:00","program_id":1241128,"site_title":"Christopher Street Park","site_location":"Christopher Street Park","site_description":"-","lat":40.7338158265375,"lon":-74.0022204629939,"pianos":[{"id":34,"piano_title":"Be You!","piano_image":"https://app.singforhope.org/storage/v1/object/public/uploads/uppy/12.jpg","piano_statement":"The creative inspiration for my Sing for Hope Piano design is a pop of bright color with a big smile. Creating in my personal art style to inspire a feeling of HAPPY. I also chose to include the message to just \"BE YOU!\" Be your authentic self and choose to create more of what makes YOU happy.","created_at":"2024-05-15T16:35:37.709838-04:00","piano_url":"be-you","piano_artist":null,"piano_year":"2024","artist_name":"Colette Hardy","piano_program":"1241128","piano_artist_bio":"I am a mixed media artist. I am also a recently retired middle school art educator. I taught art grades 5-7 on Long Island, NY, at the same middle school, in the same art room, for the past 30 years. It was the most rewarding 30 years of my creative life. My passion for art and creating everyday allowed me to inspire my students and encourage them to appreciate the visual arts. It was so rewarding to watch the children use their imaginations to create their own happiness in the art room and create individual works of art that expressed their creativity and individuality. Creating through a variety of techniques and mediums and creating while learning about various art movements and various artists throughout history is the key to a well rounded art education. It was an amazing thirty years making art with so many children everyday. As much as I inspired them, they too were an inspiration to me as an artist through the years. I was also one of 50 artists selected to bring the 2019 Sing for Hope Pianos to life in NYC! I spent many days working in the SFH shared studio space at 28 Liberty and my piano titled \"Peace, Love, and Hope\" was placed at Brooklyn Bridge Park. It was an amazing experience for everyone who participated in this amazing public art display of pianos throughout NYC and even more amazing for all to enjoy music and art in public spaces. Following the public art display my piano was donated to : Brooklyn’s Daily Discovery Pre-K Center (60th Street) Brooklyn, NY. I am very much looking forward to continuing my mixed media art lifestyle creating art everyday as a retired art educator. Sharing my art, my creative art process, and creating art for myself and others to experience. I was thrilled to receive an email regarding this upcoming opportunity to apply for this exciting Sing for Hope piano project. After being selected to be a Sing for Hope piano artist in 2019 I was truly so happy to be part of such a wonderful public art project. Working with the other artists and the Sing for Hope team was amazing but I was really so engaged and moved by the outpouring of community created by the pianos in their public art spaces. Bringing together people in the community using the visual and performing arts is a very motivating and inspiring experience. I would love to participate again to be a part of creating a work of art for so many to enjoy!","permanent_home_name":null,"contributors_info":null,"perm_lat":null,"perm_lng":null,"artist_photo":"https://app.singforhope.org/storage/v1/object/public/uploads/uploads/2) Colette Hardy.jpeg","artist_website_url":null,"artist_facebook_url":null,"artist_instagram_url":null,"public_location_name":"Christopher Street Park - 9AM-5PM daily","piano_search":null,"search_vector":null,"piano_site":52}]},{"id":50,"created_at":"2024-05-30T07:16:31.782701-04:00","program_id":1241128,"site_title":"1211 Avenue of the Americas","site_location":"1211 6th Ave, New York, NY 10036, USA","site_description":"-","lat":40.7588933789323,"lon":-73.9821137899794,"pianos":[{"id":46,"piano_title":"Sing for Us!","piano_image":"https://app.singforhope.org/storage/v1/object/public/uploads/uppy/2.jpg","piano_statement":"How many time we hold back our gifts for fear of judgement? Let’s Open our hearts and share who we are. SING! Also, Dance.","created_at":"2024-05-15T16:42:09.863023-04:00","piano_url":"sing-for-us","piano_artist":null,"piano_year":"2024","artist_name":"Claudia Echeverria","piano_program":"1241128","piano_artist_bio":"Claudia Echeverria was born in Maracaibo, Venezuela; currently based in New York city. Known as CLoD in the art world, her colorful work is deeply influenced by the Wayuu tribe, an indigenous settlement along the Venezuelan and Colombian border where she grew up. Her whimsical creatures represent everyday life, people and all that is truth. “Working as a TV producer didn’t make sense anymore”, CLoD said. “So I quit my job, left for a solo trip around the world for a year, and decided to live the rest of my life with integrity to my passion, creating in an almost obsessed way.”CLoD has traveled to more than 60 countries, immersing solo in diverse cultures, and discovering the simplicity of human essence, which does not change anywhere. “The way we behave as humans is a huge inspiration for my work. My intention with these creatures is to serve as a mirror, to whatever moves you”","permanent_home_name":null,"contributors_info":null,"perm_lat":null,"perm_lng":null,"artist_photo":"https://app.singforhope.org/storage/v1/object/public/uploads/uploads/14) Claudia Echeverria.jpeg","artist_website_url":null,"artist_facebook_url":null,"artist_instagram_url":null,"public_location_name":"1211 Avenue of the Americas - 8AM-5PM daily","piano_search":null,"search_vector":null,"piano_site":50}]},{"id":49,"created_at":"2024-05-30T07:15:46.207184-04:00","program_id":1241128,"site_title":"1345 Avenue of the Americas","site_location":"1345 6th Ave, New York, NY 10105, USA","site_description":"-","lat":40.763088878891,"lon":-73.9787211746368,"pianos":[{"id":42,"piano_title":"Mantón de esperanza","piano_image":"https://app.singforhope.org/storage/v1/object/public/uploads/uppy/5.jpg","piano_statement":"For this piano I was inspired by the Manila shawl, a silk canvas embroidered with colorful flowers and animals. Of Chinese origin, it became very popular in Spain, my country of origin. A symbol of elegance, many painters used these shawls as inspiration in the past, such as Joaquin Sorolla. For this piano I have created symbols and colors in my style, and I have added the word HOPE. Conceptually, the idea is that this is a shawl of hope, and hence the title of the piece in Spanish \"Mantón de Esperanza\"","created_at":"2024-05-15T16:41:55.107128-04:00","piano_url":"manton-de-esperanza","piano_artist":null,"piano_year":"2024","artist_name":"Vanesa Álvarez Díaz","piano_program":"1241128","piano_artist_bio":"Vanesa Álvarez is a muralist and visual artist from the north of Spain based in Brooklyn. With +20 years of experience, she has been selected in international competitions such as PintaMalasaña (MadridStreet Art Project) and The Flag Project at Rockefeller Center. Vanesa Álvarez has created murals with social and feminist themes in Spain, Mexico, and New York City. Also, she has been an Artist in Residence through Project Art USA; and Teaching Artist for LEAP NYC’s Public Art Program. Selected by the Arts in Medicine Program, NYC Health+Hospitals in 2021, her latest creations have been with Artbridge/ Bridging the Divide Project, Thrive Collective and The six foot platform (Dumbo). Last spring, Álvarez was one of the Su-casa program, Brooklyn Arts Council Artist in Residence and she painted the 2023 Union Square Street mural, called Union with the universe with USPS and DOT. Besides her public art, Vanesa is developing her studio practice, being recently one of the Kunstraum´s AIR.","permanent_home_name":null,"contributors_info":null,"perm_lat":null,"perm_lng":null,"artist_photo":"https://app.singforhope.org/storage/v1/object/public/uploads/uploads/10) Vanessa Alvarez.jpg","artist_website_url":null,"artist_facebook_url":null,"artist_instagram_url":null,"public_location_name":"1345 Avenue of the Americas - 9AM-5PM daily","piano_search":null,"search_vector":null,"piano_site":49}]},{"id":48,"created_at":"2024-05-30T07:13:04.934172-04:00","program_id":1241128,"site_title":"1120 Avenue of the Americas","site_location":"1120 6th Ave, New York, NY 10036","site_description":"-","lat":40.755916358762,"lon":-73.9832056899795,"pianos":[{"id":44,"piano_title":"Moving (Red)","piano_image":"https://app.singforhope.org/storage/v1/object/public/uploads/uppy/3.jpg","piano_statement":"The hustle and bustle of the city is represented with constant movement that makes the eye move and search for familiarity. The horror vacuii of the filled in space also recalls the city in its density and structure, a beautiful beast.","created_at":"2024-05-15T16:42:03.343937-04:00","piano_url":"moving-red","piano_artist":null,"piano_year":"2024","artist_name":"Bendow","piano_program":"1241128","piano_artist_bio":"Benjamin Waldow (Bendow) is a multidisciplinary artist from Los Angeles, educated in Chicago amd is currently based in Brooklyn. He weaves a narrative of forms, structures and living creatures throughout his paintings, prints and sculptures.","permanent_home_name":null,"contributors_info":null,"perm_lat":null,"perm_lng":null,"artist_photo":"https://app.singforhope.org/storage/v1/object/public/uploads/uploads/12) Ben Waldow.jpg","artist_website_url":null,"artist_facebook_url":null,"artist_instagram_url":null,"public_location_name":"1120 Avenue of the Americas - 7AM-7PM daily","piano_search":null,"search_vector":null,"piano_site":48}]},{"id":47,"created_at":"2024-05-30T07:11:44.547339-04:00","program_id":1241128,"site_title":"Haven Plaza","site_location":"67-55 Haven Ave, New York, NY 10032","site_description":"-","lat":40.8426886750585,"lon":-73.9429016086522,"pianos":[{"id":38,"piano_title":"Bricks and Vines","piano_image":"https://app.singforhope.org/storage/v1/object/public/uploads/uppy/8.jpg","piano_statement":"The bricks and the vines in my design speaks to how New York City is a city of contrasts, strong and beautiful, structured and flowing, and both man-made and natural. I want to share these ideas in the hopes that it will inspire people and to notice the beauty around us.","created_at":"2024-05-15T16:41:40.017726-04:00","piano_url":"bricks-and-vines","piano_artist":null,"piano_year":"2024","artist_name":"Addy Balajadia","piano_program":"1241128","piano_artist_bio":"I started painting in the 90’s at Hunter College, where I graduated with a B.A. in Studio Art and Psychology and in 2015, attained a master's degree in Art Therapy from Pratt Institute. Over the years, I've taken art classes at the Educational Alliance and The Art Students League. I regularly paint and draw a variety of subjects using acrylic paints, watercolors, water brush pens, and black ink pen. A large body of my work comes from my imagination, from memory and occasionally create work loosely based off of reference photos. My approach to creating art is spontaneous and intuitive, allowing the medium and brushstrokes to dictate the process. Over the years, I've been part of various group art shows, online and around New York City.","permanent_home_name":null,"contributors_info":null,"perm_lat":null,"perm_lng":null,"artist_photo":"https://app.singforhope.org/storage/v1/object/public/uploads/uploads/6) Addy Balajadia.jpg","artist_website_url":null,"artist_facebook_url":null,"artist_instagram_url":null,"public_location_name":"Haven Plaza - 10AM-6PM","piano_search":null,"search_vector":null,"piano_site":47}]},{"id":46,"created_at":"2024-05-30T07:09:31.532898-04:00","program_id":1241128,"site_title":"Crotona Nature Center","site_location":"1702 Crotona Ave, Bronx, NY 10460","site_description":"-","lat":40.8382757602453,"lon":-73.8933128660584,"pianos":[{"id":36,"piano_title":"North Stars","piano_image":"https://app.singforhope.org/storage/v1/object/public/uploads/uppy/10.jpg","piano_statement":"I have been inspired by nature to create an uplifting, whimsical design that will invite people to play this piano. We are living in a struggling planet, and it is important to think about nature, and at the same time look at the stars.","created_at":"2024-05-15T16:39:13.339504-04:00","piano_url":"north-stars","piano_artist":null,"piano_year":"2024","artist_name":"Laura Alvarez","piano_program":"1241128","piano_artist_bio":"Laura is a Spanish born, Bronx based illustrator, artist, author, muralist and community activist. She creates to inspire the community and start conversations about controversial subjects. Laura is interested in how art interacts with people. She has taken her artwork out of the studio working on walls and step-streets in different countries and NYC neighborhoods, to bring her colorful designs and joy to the community. She strives to create a participatory process in every mural, so each community feels empowered and heard about the art they see daily. Laura is the Co-Founder of BxArts Factory, non-profit committed to unlocking the inner artist in the Bronx community. She is also a board member of Artbridge, a non-profit that empowers emerging artists to transform urban spaces. She has exhibited in numerous solo and group shows. Laura started curating art exhibitions in 2015.","permanent_home_name":null,"contributors_info":null,"perm_lat":null,"perm_lng":null,"artist_photo":"https://app.singforhope.org/storage/v1/object/public/uploads/uploads/4) Laura Alvarez.JPG","artist_website_url":null,"artist_facebook_url":null,"artist_instagram_url":null,"public_location_name":"Crotona Nature Center - 9AM-8PM daily","piano_search":null,"search_vector":null,"piano_site":46}]},{"id":45,"created_at":"2024-05-30T06:41:27.263091-04:00","program_id":1241128,"site_title":"Little Island","site_location":"Pier 55 in Hudson River Park at, W 13th St, New York, NY 10014","site_description":"-","lat":40.7421852684142,"lon":-74.0102936390289,"pianos":[{"id":40,"piano_title":"Bach In NYC","piano_image":"https://app.singforhope.org/storage/v1/object/public/uploads/uppy/6.jpg","piano_statement":"As one of the greatest composers of all times, Bach is now represented painting his symphony in New York City, drawing the with music notes that fly around the beautiful skyscrapers to the city, a beautiful creation surrounded by talent, and angels.","created_at":"2024-05-15T16:41:47.950628-04:00","piano_url":"bach-in-nyc","piano_artist":null,"piano_year":"2024","artist_name":"JJ Gonzalez Acosta","piano_program":"1241128","piano_artist_bio":"Born and raised in Valencia, Venezuela; JJ Gonzalez Acosta has been passionate about art since he was a kid. His love for visual arts was supported by his mother and his aunt who are also visual artists. When he was only 5, JJ changed his toys to paintbrushes and paint; he created beautiful artwork at home. At this age, he was part of the “Arturo Michelena” art school where he had fun with other infants creating art. As time went by, JJ decided that he wanted to help others discover their artist within, he then decided to enroll at “Universidad De Carabobo” where he earned a Bachelor of Art in Art Education, and he started teaching art and being the Cultural Coordinator in different elementary, middle, and high schools in Valencia. His passion brought him to be the Internship Coordinator at “Universidad Alejandro De Humboldt” where he helped students find the perfect internship that aligned with their likes, needs, and most importantly their passion. JJ has kept working as a visual artist and it was not until 2017 that he decided to pursue his dreams and goals and arrived in Orlando, Florida where he lived for almost 5 years. In Orlando, JJ had an art studio and taught art to segregated communities in Central Florida while working along with the Orange County Government curating the Hispanic Heritage Month art exhibitions while working with local theaters as a costume, and scenic designer. In 2022, JJ arrived in New York City and his colorful artwork has been in different galleries around the city, has been featured on the screens in Times Square, and has had solo exhibitions in different branches of the New York Public Library. In New York, JJ created a Broadway Portraits Collection that highlights the story of those who give it all on the stage while telling stories to different audiences 8 times per week. JJ will continue teaching art and helping others discover this colorful world while helping them discover their artist within. Born and raised in Valencia, Venezuela; JJ Gonzalez Acosta has been passionate about art since he was a kid. His love for visual arts was supported by his mother and his aunt who are also visual artists. When he was only 5, JJ changed his toys to paintbrushes and paint; he created beautiful artwork at home. At this age, he was part of the “Arturo Michelena” art school where he had fun with other infants creating art. As time went by, JJ decided that he wanted to help others discover their artist within, he then decided to enroll at “Universidad De Carabobo” where he earned a Bachelor of Art in Art Education, and he started teaching art and being the Cultural Coordinator in different elementary, middle, and high schools in Valencia. His passion brought him to be the Internship Coordinator at “Universidad Alejandro De Humboldt” where he helped students find the perfect internship that aligned with their likes, needs, and most importantly their passion. JJ has kept working as a visual artist and it was not until 2017 that he decided to pursue his dreams and goals and arrived in Orlando, Florida where he lived for almost 5 years. In Orlando, JJ had an art studio and taught art to segregated communities in Central Florida while working along with the Orange County Government curating the Hispanic Heritage Month art exhibitions while working with local theaters as a costume, and scenic designer. In 2022, JJ arrived in New York City and his colorful artwork has been in different galleries around the city, has been featured on the screens in Times Square, and has had solo exhibitions in different branches of the New York Public Library. In New York, JJ created a Broadway Portraits Collection that highlights the story of those who give it all on the stage while telling stories to different audiences 8 times per week. JJ will continue teaching art and helping others discover this colorful world while helping them discover their artist within.","permanent_home_name":null,"contributors_info":null,"perm_lat":null,"perm_lng":null,"artist_photo":"https://app.singforhope.org/storage/v1/object/public/uploads/uploads/8) JJ Gonzalez Acosta.jpg","artist_website_url":null,"artist_facebook_url":null,"artist_instagram_url":null,"public_location_name":"Little Island - 7AM-6PM daily","piano_search":null,"search_vector":null,"piano_site":45}]},{"id":53,"created_at":"2024-05-30T07:19:57.299187-04:00","program_id":1241128,"site_title":"Highland Park","site_location":"Highland Park","site_description":"Jamaica Avenue & Elton St 11208","lat":40.6839149247375,"lon":-73.8856347458048,"pianos":[{"id":35,"piano_title":"Kindness Is A Super Power","piano_image":"https://app.singforhope.org/storage/v1/object/public/uploads/uppy/11.jpg","piano_statement":"This design is in honor of my nephew who passed away on 2/14/24. He was a born and bred New Yorker, and relished helping strangers in his daily life. He would always assist a weary traveller carry a heavy cart up or down a flight of stairs, alert a pedestrian that they dropped a wallet or keys, or hold a door open for an elderly person. He was quick with a compliment and a warm smile. He lived his brief life spreading love through small acts of kindness. His kindness was his super power. And though he may not be with us physically, the ripple effect of his life will be felt forever.","created_at":"2024-05-15T16:38:04.668336-04:00","piano_url":"kindness-is-a-super-power","piano_artist":null,"piano_year":"2024","artist_name":"Richela Fabian Morgan","piano_program":"1241128","piano_artist_bio":"Richela Fabian Morgan is a Filipina-American mixed media artist specializing in paper, tape, and found materials. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, she has been a working artist since 2016. In addition to making art, Richela has been a teaching artist for organizations such as ArtsWestchester, Project Art, and Studio in a School. Since 2021, she has been the visual arts teaching artist at Ballet Tech NYC Public School for Dance. In addition to teaching and creating visual art, Richela is a craft writer. She has written several books including TAPE IT AND MAKE IT (Barron’s Educational), DUCT TAPE BAGS (Clarkson Potter), and THE GREEN CRAFTER (Citadel).","permanent_home_name":null,"contributors_info":null,"perm_lat":null,"perm_lng":null,"artist_photo":"https://app.singforhope.org/storage/v1/object/public/uploads/uploads/3) Richela Fabian Morgan.jpg","artist_website_url":null,"artist_facebook_url":null,"artist_instagram_url":null,"public_location_name":"Highland Park - 8AM-7PM daily","piano_search":null,"search_vector":null,"piano_site":53}]}]