It has been more than a labour of love – artist Sally Joyce has transformed an upright piano into a work of art.
The piano was donated by a resident and will be placed in Stratheden Street for the launch on June 13 at 2pm.
“I wanted this piano to be a gift of unexpected beauty and a work beyond what was expected of me,” Sally said.
The street piano is a Kyogle Council project and it will be on trial for three months.
“A lot of ugly was happening in the world during the weeks that I painted this piano and I wished to offer something powerfully beautiful to remind us that joy and hope can be offered in beautiful things and that beautiful things hold soooooo much worth in ugly times,” Sally said.
She volunteered to paint the piano when the council put the word out.
“Its work has only just begun,” Sally said.
“The piano has already given… that’s before it has even begun to be played.”
As a street piano, anyone can play it. And the community can give feedback on the piano here.
The idea of the Stratheden Street Piano was brought to a council meeting by councillor Olivia Taylor. Read about that here.
And in two weeks, the piano will be played. In the street. Next to the KMI Hall.
Sally’s artwork features Kyogle’s rich, colourful and beautiful natural surrounds. Sally has focused on the Border Ranges National Park.
“I hope my work adds value to the piano in a way that is ‘priceless’ and in doing so I wish to demonstrate the worth, value and joy that artists and musicians can bring to public places and take a moment to quietly (or loudly) appreciate that,” Sally said.
“I hope that every aspiring musician that steps up to play this piano, feels honoured and special no matter the notes that come.”
Sally collaborated with her son Angus Joyce on a piano composition that was inspired by the Helmholtzia Stream Lily (featured on the artwork)
“The notes of nature inspired the notes of colour,” Sally said.
Follow Sally on Instagram here.
Have your say on the Street Piano Project here.
This article appeared on indyNR.com on 1 June 2026.
