CONTACT:

Diane Charles
Director of Corporate Communications
Art Van Furniture
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
586-983-3022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BRITISH ARTIST GETS HELP FROM ART VAN

Performing art entry unveiled in downtown Grand Rapids

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., June 15, 2010 – With ArtPrize 2010 just months away and hosting agreements between artist and venues are closing in, an internationally known artist unveiled his entry into the art competition. British artist Luke Jerram will place 20 pianos throughout ArtPrize in a project titled Play Me I’m Yours.

Jerram’s performing art entry places 20 pianos on the streets of downtown Grand Rapids. Using the core of the city as a backdrop, each piano will act as a sculptural, musical, blank canvas that becomes a reflection of the communities it is embedded into. The pianos provide musicians of all levels an opportunity to share their creativity by performing in the public.

“We are thrilled to be involved in bringing Luke’s project to ArtPrize,” said David Van Elslander, Art Van Furniture and sponsor of Play Me I’m Yours. “It’s an opportunity to engage the community, bring out hidden musical talent, allow people to express themselves and just to have fun.” This year alone Play Me I’m Yours will be presented in New York City, London, Belfast, Cincinnati, San Jose and now right here in Grand Rapids.

Kathleen Schiefler, Jerram’s local representative, has been working with the City to position the pianos in high traffic areas. “Only one piano from this project will be used for the actual entry into ArtPrize and we are working with a prominent organization on that location,” said Schiefler. Schiefler is also working with West Michigan Piano to obtain donated pianos for the project. At the conclusion of ArtPrize, the pianos will be donated to schools and community groups in the area.

For more information regarding Art Van Furniture Stores or this project, contact Diane Charles, Director of Corporate Communications, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 586-983–3022.

About Art Van Furniture

Art Van Furniture is Michigan’s largest furniture retailer and America’s largest independent furniture retailer, operating 32 stores in 30 communities throughout Michigan, a full service e-commerce website plus a new freestanding bedding store in Canton, Michigan, Art Van Pure Sleep. The company is family-owned and headquartered in Warren, Michigan. For more information, visit www.artvan.com.

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