2025 PIANOS
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This piano showcases the Iowa state bird, state tree and state flower. It was created with the intention of highlighting fiber arts in a larger scale project and recognizing it as fine art. Each piece was created using a combination of cross stitch, weaving and painting. Many of the components are 3D and they look very different when viewing from a distance or close up. Each piece also gives a different texture visually and through touch.
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This is a tribute to the magic of storybooks where fantasy creatures roam, woodland animals talk, and every page hums with imagination. Inspired by beloved childhood tales, it brings together cute critters and mythical beings in a vibrant world of wonder.
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Thomas and Terrinye Goetz’s piano design celebrates the joy of music and its power to connect. Inspired by their shared love of The Entertainer, the piano is decoupaged with layered vintage sheet music, creating a rhythmic and nostalgic backdrop. Emerging from this surface are intricately cut vinyl scenes of figures dancing and playing instruments, evoking a sense of movement and celebration.
Hidden within the design is a secret QR code scavenger hunt, offering an interactive experience for those who encounter the piano.
Each element reflects the duo’s belief that music is more than sound—it’s a shared experience that brings people together across time and place.
Images captured by Joelle Blanchard of Figment Art Photography.
To learn more about our 2025 selected artists and their body of work, click here.
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My vision for this piano was to make it whimsical and romantic. The main contributor for the concept was based off of the old ragtime song “come Josephine in my flying machine”.
In addition, I wanted to pull inspiration from the nautical side of the Victorian era but with a dreamlike whimsical twist.
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Since the very beginning, I wanted my piano to look handmade, organic, and youthful. I took a lot of inspiration from children’s art when coming up with the simplistic human shapes and the application of color. I used paint sticks because when applied loosely, they resemble crayons. I chose to deal largely in black and white to match the color of the keys. Lastly, I filled in the blank space with pieces of sheet music to further emphasize the concept; local live music.
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Superstitions have a mystical quality but are also rooted in our everyday lives and behaviors. So the images on the piano are both fanciful and surreal, but are juxtaposed with photos and real objects. Explore the images to see how many superstitions you recognize. Then open the piano bench to write any superstitions we missed. And, of course, try to solve the musical puzzle!
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My design is inspired by the changing seasons of the Midwest and the sense of renewal and inspiration found in Spring and Summer.
I incorporated traditional quilt patterns like “Bear Paw” and “Flying Geese,” which symbolize guidance, strength, and navigation.
Mary Oliver’s poem Wild Geese also influenced my piece, with its themes of finding direction in the natural world. Woven throughout are personal images from moments when I have found guidance, like observing wildlife and planting flowers in my garden.
On the back of the piano, a chalkboard-painted panel invites viewers to reflect and respond to the question, “Where do you find direction?” allowing the piece to grow and change with every response.
