"GO Ahead and Play" with Your Clothes!

I couldn't think of a better place to wear this piano print skirt than the Preview Party for GO Ahead and Play!  Skirt (ModCloth.com); Lace Cardigan (INC, Macy's); Bag (Kate Spade); Shoes (Moda Spana, Steinmart)

Disclaimer:  I have no musical talent whatsoever.  When I was a child, my grandmother (who played no less than nine instruments with great skill) tried in vain to teach me to play the piano.  I learned only part of a single song (The Entertainer), which I can still punch out today, albeit poorly and with only one hand.  Likewise, I cannot carry a tune.  Family members have told me I should lip sync in church.  I was cut from the 5th grade school choir, which was my first real taste of rejection.  Convinced it was all a big mistake, the experience did not stop me from singing an a capella version of Debby Boone's "You Light Up My Life" for my grandparents' Good Sam Camping Club a few months later.  They were all very impressed.  In retrospect, I suspect these kind souls were just humoring me, and perhaps, turned down their hearing aids for my heartfelt fireside solo.... 

Despite my lack of talent, I am passionate about music.  I am also passionate about art, and I am passionate about the Women's Fund of Central Indiana, an organization that creates transformational opportunities for women and girls through the effective distribution of grants to women and girl serving organizations and through the philanthropic engagement and education of current and potential donors.  For the past several months, music, art and the Women's Fund have come together in a delightful symphony resulting in a unique, interactive public art installation that will be on display at several locations throughout Indianapolis and Carmel now through August 18.  Titled "GO Ahead and Play," the project was driven by the 6th through 12th graders engaged in the Women's Fund GO program.  These highly engaged students worked tirelessly to develop and bring this project to fruition.  The result is 20 beautifully transformed pianos that will bring a smile to your face and put a song in your heart!  

I was fortunate to attend a Preview Party for the project last weekend.  My favorite part of the evening (other than having the perfect opportunity to wear my piano skirt!) was a piano "flash mob," during which 15 pianists took to the ivories and played Heart and Soul by Indiana's own Hoagy Carmichael. Guests also had the opportunity to play any and all of the fantastic pianos on display.  You can view and play these pianos, too, and I hope you will!  Learn more about the program, and find the locations of all 20 pianos here!  You can also read more about the program in Betsy Reason's article in today's Indianapolis Star.  

I'm looking forward to viewing the pianos again, and since Mayor Ballard has declared August 1, 2013 as "Women's Fund GO Ahead and Play Day," I may just walk down to Monument Circle in my piano skirt at lunch and bang out my one-handed version of the Entertainer on one of the pianos installed there!

Photos don't do justice to these interactive works of art, but here is a teaser of what's in store when you GO Ahead and Play the pianos on display now through August 18!

Fashion is what you buy; Style is what you do with it!