Artists give unwanted pianos a grand finale

FORT COLLINS, Colo. — Armed with a paintbrush, Theo Altmaier applied the finishing touches to a mural that covers all sides of an upright piano. The piece features vibrant depictions of Horsetooth Mountain, rainbows and an inscription that reads, “Magic is everywhere.”

“I want my piano to get your attention. I hope that even if people just pass by on their way to work, it brings a smile and a little more whimsy into their day,” said Altmaier, 24, one of eight artists who painted a piano this summer for the the city’s public art program, Piano’s About Town, now in its 15th year. 

Altmaier’s work is part of Fort Collins’ ongoing effort to repurpose donated pianos, giving them a second life as colorful outdoor instruments for anyone to play. 

Once painted, pianos rotate between 20 locations throughout the city, including Civic Center Garage, Old Town Garage, Firehouse Alley Garage, Foothills Mall and Scotch Pines. 

“It’s fun working in public…I get to see people's reactions to my art in real time,” said Altmaier, who graduated from Colorado State University in 2024 and plans to attend graduate school to teach art.