Paint brushes became tools for peace and pianos became canvases for student artists at 11 Atlanta Public Schools who designed colorful contributions for the Pianos for Peace Festival.
APS students, as well as professional artists, hand painted 50 pianos that are now on display in public places throughout metro Atlanta for everyone to play and anyone to enjoy.
The piano painted by Frederick Douglass High School students is displayed inside the Five Points MARTA Station, where 28-year-old singer Prince DreVeon made an impromptu performance on Sept. 11.
“This is the first piano that I’ve been practicing on,” DreVeon said. “Thank you Douglass High School for believing in the power of music.”
Boyd Elementary School’s piano is displayed at the Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University. Pianos designed by students at Brown Middle School, Carver Early College High School, Finch Elementary School, Grady High School, Harper-Archer Middle School, Inman Middle School, Maynard Jackson High School, M.A. Jones Elementary School and North Atlanta High School are displayed in front of each respective school.
After the outdoor festival, all painted pianos will be donated to local schools, nursing homes, healthcare facilities and community centers where volunteer artists will participate in yearlong arts initiatives.
Pianos for Peace will celebrate International Day of Peace on Friday, Sept. 21, with a closing ceremony at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The celebration will feature local musicians, a children’s choir and APS bands.
The Pianos for Peace Festival runs through Sept. 22. For locations and additional information, click here.
One of 50 #pianosforpeace designed and painted by #students of @APSCarver inspired by Dr. George Washington Carver with beautiful colorful #flowers and #butterflies. Go Panther #Artists! Together, we’re building #peace through #music and #education. @CarstarphenMJ @apsupdate pic.twitter.com/fVNtwcga5p
— Pianos for Peace (@PianosForPeace) September 8, 2018
#apsarts @sara_womack @APSFinchEagles @forrest_taylor1 @apsupdate
Finch students finish the @PianosForPeace #colors pic.twitter.com/uJ9HlakRtm— MarioPadilla-Goodman (@Padillag_mario) August 29, 2018
Boyd’s Piano for Peace is done!
@PianosForPeace @sara_womack @APSBoydES #apsarts @PrincipalK_APS pic.twitter.com/I0yusC3BMe— Joel Gargano (@GarganoJoel) August 31, 2018
Finished! Our art students created this #pianoforpeace! Dept. of the Arts rocks North Atlanta HS! #northatlantaart @sara_womack @raelf25 @mslandersart @CarstarphenMJ @APSNAWarriors #artsaps pic.twitter.com/REBxD0thv2
— Allison Shepard (@shepardArtAPS) August 29, 2018
Finishing up our @PianosForPeace project!!! I’m so proud of my students!!! @APSBrown @sara_womack #apsarts pic.twitter.com/vYlxtn18On
— BMSArtRoom (@BMSArtRoom) August 28, 2018
An unforgettable and joyful #symphony for peace @APSGardenHills in #Atlanta. Together, we’re making the #arts accessible to all while building #peace through #music and #education. pic.twitter.com/Hqv8NwIt0a
— Pianos for Peace (@PianosForPeace) August 27, 2018
Talk Up APS 
Our children are so wonderful and talented. Imagine the possibility…all Atlanta Public Schools students were able to be encouraged and nurtured to exhibit their talents and gifts! I love our children. I love education!
Schools are only as good as the parents and community that support it. Let’s continue to work together to make all students the brightest and best!