Block party ends Keying Around event

Keying Around went out with a bang on Friday, Aug. 4, with a block party sponsored by the City of Sequim and City Arts Advisory Commission that included live music, local vendors and a painted piano auction.

The block party marked the end of the Keying Around program that started on July 7 where painted pianos were dispersed throughout Sequim at the Civic Center, US Bank, The Emerald Northwest Grill &Public House and Over the Fence, inviting the public to play music at any of the four locations.

“It was all about a collaboration of community,” Natalie Andrzejeski, Keying Around organizer and artist said about the final event.

Three pianos were painted this year by local artists such as Jake Reichner’s Sequim High School AP art class, “L Squared” including Luke Kisena and Luke Silliman and Andrzejeski.

The piano Andrzejeski painted inspired by the lavender farms in Sequim called “Purple Haze” was auctioned off at the event to a family for $725. Proceeds from the auction go toward future art-related projects in the city.

Andrzejeski said two pianos remain for either a sponsor or buyer and one will remain as a revolving example for future Keying Around events.

She said she would like the remaining two pianos to be sponsored and placed throughout town to continue to allow the public to play on them.

In the future, Andrzejeski said she wants to make Keying Around and the block party an annual event for residents and locals to look forward to each year.

Sequim resident and piano player Liz Tomisato plays a song on a painted piano during the Keying Around block party at the Sequim Civic Center on Friday, Aug. 4. Three pianos were painted by local artists and put up for auction with proceeds going toward art-related projects in the City of Sequim.

Sequim resident and piano player Liz Tomisato plays a song on a painted piano during the Keying Around block party at the Sequim Civic Center on Friday, Aug. 4. Three pianos were painted by local artists and put up for auction with proceeds going toward art-related projects in the City of Sequim.