Play It, This Piano is Needham's

The Celebrity Series of Boston is bringing an international art installation to Boston, and bringing an the work of a Needham artist to the streets. 

The installation, ‘Play Me, I’m Yours,' is the brainchild of artist Luke Jerram, and has been touring around the world since 2008, according to a press release on the exhibit. Decorated pianos are placed around the city with the invitation to "play me, I'm yours." 

Mayor Thomas Menino said in a press release, "The public piano festival, Play Me I'm Yours, will give residents and visitors a chance to make music in the streets of Boston through this exciting public art installation.”

One of those pianos comes by way of local artist Nancy-Lee Mauger. The Needham-based former musician is working on a piece with a theme of anti-bullying, dedicated to both herself and to her son, who has special needs and was bullied as a child.

According to a profile from event organizers, Mauger was hospitalized in 1995 with severe depression, and there discovered art therapy. She was later diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder, and feels that art saved her life. She aims to share her art with others, and let it help them through.

Her piano, and the rest of the group of 75,  will be in public spaces around Boston, Cambridge, Somerville and Brookline from September 27 to October 14. 

Said Gary Dunning, Celebrity Series President and Executive Director, in a press release: “Bringing music to Boston is the core mission of the Celebrity Series, and we thank the Mayor and his offices for their support of Play Me, I’m Yours.”