Oceanside Public Piano Project – Miss Mary

Oceanside Theatre Company (OTC) and the Oceanside Cultural Arts Foundation (OCAF) are excited to announce that award-winning artist BJ Lane has been selected to transform a donated upright studio piano, lovingly named Miss Mary in honor of Mary Hendricks, into a captivating work of public art. Lane was chosen from a competitive pool of submissions based on her artistic technique, creativity, and her interpretation of the theme—theatre and performing arts. Miss Mary is the fourth piano involved in the Oceanside Public Piano Project, an initiative that places beautifully painted, donated pianos in public spaces throughout the city. The piano will be on display at the historic Sunshine Brooks Theater (217 North Coast Highway), with an official reveal during the Brooks Theater Gallery’s Artist Open House.

The Oceanside Public Piano Project combines the beauty of music and visual art, placing hand-painted pianos in public spaces throughout the city. Spearheaded by Robert Parker and in collaboration with OCAF, this community initiative aims to bring both art and music directly to the people. The project, which currently features pianos on display at the Oceanside Museum of Art, the Civic Center Library and 101 Cafe, follows the inspiration of The Piano Project and Play Me Again Pianos, showcasing painted pianos that encourage spontaneous interaction with music and art.“I’ve always supported public pianos, but it wasn’t until I saw the ‘Play Me Again’ pianos that I realized the power of turning them into works of art,” says Robert Parker, OCAF Vice President. “This project is about creating something that brings people together—art and music in one place. I can’t wait to see Miss Mary transformed into a stunning tribute to our community’s passion for the arts.”

OCAF has generously gifted Miss Mary to OTC as part of this initiative. The piano was donated by The Piano Outlet, LLC, with business owner Yen Lee covering all delivery and transport costs for the piano. Naming rights for Miss Mary were secured through a gift made in honor of Mary Hendricks, a trailblazer in the arts who passed away in 2024 at over 100 years old.

“She appeared in Our Gang comedies at the age of three,” says Michelle D’Elia, Mary’s daughter-in-law. “Mary broke the glass ceiling for women in business, working her way up to head the treasury at Southern California Gas Company, and volunteered for many years with the City of Hope. She was a trailblazer who loved theater, serving as an usher at most San Diego and Orange County theaters well into her 90s. Her legacy lives on through this piano and the art it will inspire.”

As part of the Oceanside Public Piano Project, Miss Mary will be reimagined as a visual tribute to theatre and the performing arts, offering the community a chance to engage with music and art in an accessible, interactive way. Visitors to the theater can enjoy playing Miss Mary in the lobby and people passing by can tickle the ivories whenever Miss Mary is wheeled out under the marquee.

BJ Lane, a seasoned artist based in Fallbrook, California, will bring her dynamic, theatrical design to the piano. Lane’s vibrant style, which has been exhibited widely, will use bold colors and rhythmic visual elements to reflect the spirit of theatre and performance. With a career spanning over fifty years, Lane is known for her emotionally expressive work, bridging cultural and human experiences through art. Lane will have six weeks to complete the transformation of Miss Mary, with a final deadline of June 10, 2025. This short but exciting timeframe will showcase her ability to work under a creative deadline while still delivering a powerful and meaningful work of art.

Lane’s design will incorporate musical instruments, actors, musicians, and performers to represent the unity and creativity that define the Sunshine Brooks Theatre. “This project is more than just painting a piano,” says Lane. “It’s a celebration of what connects us all—music, theatre, and shared creativity. I’m honored to contribute to this community through my work.”

“The Oceanside Public Piano Project has been a wonderful collaboration between artists, the Oceanside Cultural Arts Foundation, and Oceanside Theatre Company,” said Carol Naegele, Brooks Theater Gallery Curator and OTC Board Member. “It’s a unique opportunity to bring OTC’s community outreach right to the theater’s front door. BJ Lane’s designs are filled with color, energy, and the essence of theatre—acting, singing, dancing, and music. We can’t wait to see her vision come to life.”

This collaboration between OTC and OCAF exemplifies a shared commitment to enhancing community engagement through the arts, fostering an environment where creativity thrives and unites people from all walks of life.