Grand Piano Cover Project, A collaboration with Sen2 Figueroa & the Greenwich Arts Council, Greenwich, CT

An Homage to Mr. Hughes, Grand Piano Cover Project | Greenwich, CT

“An Homage to Mr. Hughes” celebrates the life of James (Jim) Hughes a long-standing member of the Greenwich Arts Council. Almost 10 years ago Jim Hughes donated this magnificent grand piano to the Greenwich Arts Council, his only condition being that he could come by and play the piano anytime and so he did. Mr. Hughes became a permanent artist resident to GAC. He was there almost every morning, including Sundays, practicing a new piece or simply playing his favorite songs. Mr. Hughes was a very wise and cheerful man. He believed in GAC and what we were capable of. He loved every exhibition we had at the Bendheim Gallery.

Sadly, Mr. Hughes passed away three years ago at the age of 99. We will remember him for his kindness and perseverance. He played the piano at the Arts Council until his last days. We miss him dearly.

As the Council was planning a way to celebrate his memory, the pandemic hit, and as a result they were unable to move forward at the time. Subsequently, I was visiting the Greenwich Arts Council and as they were giving me the tour of the spacespace, they they shared with me the story of Mr. Hughes. I didn’t need to think much before I told the Council that I wished to paint the cover of the piano in memory of Mr. Hughes. The Arts Council knew how much Mr. Hughes would have loved to see his piano turned into a masterpiece. 

On January 29, 2021, the Greenwich Arts Council planned and live streamed the unveiling of the painted piano cover for its members and friends. The celebration included renowned dancers, Caroline Volkwein from the Bolshoi Ballet Academy, Aidan Buss from the Royal Ballet School and Yuri Vodolaga, Artistic Director of Vodolaga Ballet and musician and artist, Joseph Dermody. A live ballet performance was broadcast through GAC social media outlets and via Zoom.

Projects by Sen2 Figueroa