A new arts program looks to put some colorful art pieces and joyous tunes into downtown Sequim this summer.

Keying Around, a new program backed by the City Arts Advisory Commission, begins this July with three pianos for public use at the Sequim Civic Center and the northeast and southeast corners of Washington Street/Sequim Avenue at Sequim Centennial Place and the former Bank of America Park.

Each piano will be painted by a selected local artist and placed July 1 through the duration of Lavender Weekend, July 15-17.

City Clerk Karen Kuznek-Reese says the project encourages people to explore Sequim’s music and art scene further.

Natalie Andrzejeski, a Portland, Ore., transplant who helped lead similar programs in Camas and Vancouver, said they will begin recruiting artists in April to paint each piano. They have three now and hope to receive more, preferably upright pianos with more room to paint, to continue the event in years to come.

In July, organizers ideally would schedule pianists to play at the locations, Andrzejeski said.

She said previous efforts garnered a lot of attention and led to high profile places like Portland International Airport to house a painted piano.

“It brings a lot of excitement every year,” she said. “All the local businesses want to get involved. Sponsors are looking to have their money go to a good cause.”

Events have supported and continue to support nonprofits like the School of Piano Technology for the Blind, Andrzejeski said.

Kuznek-Reese said after Lavender Weekend they will hold a gala event at the James Center for Performing Arts featuring pianists and auction off the pianos to fund an artistic/musical need in Sequim School District.

Andrzejeski, a professional artist and photographer, said they are planning to only place three pianos this July and examine the program for next year to see if they want to do more.

She said donated pianos don’t need to be esthetically pleasing because they’ll be painted and finished to be elements-proof.

As the program comes together in the coming months, Kuznek-Reese said they’ll seek tax-deductible sponsorships ranging from $25-$5,000, which includes signage at the piano and gala.

They’ll also seek pianos, piano players and artists.

For more information, contact Kuznek-Reese at 681-3428, 683-4139 or kkuznek@sequimwa.gov.