By Gazette staff

STEVENS POINT – Soft melodies floated down Main Street on July 20 as Mayor Mike Wiza unveiled the city’s first interactive art installment.

A near weather-resistant piano was placed at the downtown bus depot stage, on the intersection of Strongs Avenue and Main Street.

The piano was donated to the city by Cheryl Bloczynski.

“An opportunity came up when I was sitting at home looking at Facebook Marketplace, and I saw this nice Yamaha piano that someone wanted to give away,” said Mayor Mike Wiza.

Wiza then contacted Bloczynski to explain what he had in mind, and she agreed to donate the piano to the city.

Looking for more of an art installation, he searched for someone to put a creative touch on the piece.

Wiza then spoke with Rachel Siebers, who hand-painted the piano, giving it some composition.

“My inspiration was ‘old and new,’” she explained. “I think that our city is built on a foundation of both old and new. So, it has that art deco feel, but with some inspiration of some splatter paint and bright colors.”

The mayor’s project culminated July 20, when the piano was unveiled during a ceremony at the Downtown Transit Hub.

“It’s something that people can use for concerts or just play when they are downtown,” Wiza explained.

There are sanitary wipes located near the piano, but Wiza encourages residents to bring sanitizer or gloves.

Security cameras are located throughout the downtown corridor to deter vandalism.

Wiza noted that impromptu jam sessions are encouraged and hopes to see the piano used by locals in a respectful manner.