A local artist is looking forward to transforming the piano on the Ross Street Patio.

Carmen Winter is transforming the piano on the Ross Street Patio and hopes to have the project completed in about a month.

The theme of the piano will be Steampunk. According to Wikipedia, Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction that typically features steam-powered machinery, especially in a setting inspired by industrialized western civilization during the 19th century.

“At the end it’s going to have sort of a steam-era look to it. It will have pipes coming out and gears and cranks and knobs to make it look like it is steam-powered,” said Winter. “I first heard about Steampunk several years ago and dabbled a little but in making jewellery and hats. So when I was given this opportunity I knew that I wanted to do that theme because how many people can say they have Steampunked a piano?

“I’m really excited about it. I can’t wait to see how it is going to turn out, just like everyone else. This will be my first installment. I am planning on doing more than just paint – I am planning on installing hardware pieces and moving parts. It’s going to be interesting.”

She added it is important to add the crank to the side of the piano so everyone can enjoy it.

“Not everyone can play the piano so I want to make sure if someone can’t play it, they can play with it.”

As for being involved in a project that is centered in the downtown core and that all Red Deerians can enjoy, Winter is excited.

“I think it’s really great that the community is so interested in supporting the idea. When I was here sanding the other day, my friend Brad was out playing guitar and there were people having coffee and it was such a community atmosphere. A couple of years ago before this patio was here this street wasn’t exactly an exciting place to sit down, so I think these projects are really important for the City and to help bring the community together. I’m excited to be part of it.”

As for donations, Winter said she is looking for community members and businesses to donate materials for the piano including a hand crank generator, gears, rivets and paint.

To donate, call Carmen Winter at 403-505-9476 or email her at carmenmwinter@gmail.com.

Meanwhile, entertainment on the Ross Street Patio kicked off last Friday. A number of musicians are set to take the stage during the summer. And recently the Downtown Business Association has initiated two extra nights of live music per week, taking place on Wednesday and Thursday nights.

Both the Wednesday and Thursday live music programming will run through till Sept. 24th and 25th.

The live music on Wednesday nights will be composed of scheduled professional artists, while the Thursday Jam Nights will serve as an open platform for up and coming musicians to show up and showcase their skills.

The Association is looking to book up every Wednesday this summer, from 5:30- 8:30 p.m. For further booking inquiries contact Tyler Bowman at the Downtown Business Association.

The Thursday Jam Night will be a relaxed and fun atmosphere for any musician to come out and play for a crowd. The programming will operate on a first-come first-serve basis. Those first to show up and write their name on the sign-up sheet will play first, and so on and so forth.

Information concerning the music featured for the week can be found via Downtown Red Deer’s facebook profile, facebook.com/downtownreddeer.

efawcett@reddeerexpress.com