The public art project Pianos for Peace came to Emory last week, with a hand-painted piano available on the terrace of the Dobbs University Center for anyone to play and enjoy.

Intended as "a music festival for peace," the project placed more than two-dozen pianos painted by local and international artists at outdoor locations across metro Atlanta.

The piano at Emory was created by Venezuelan-born artist and entrepreneur Maria Zaa, featuring a collage of shapes based on her unique fabric designs. After working in New York City as an interior architect, she moved to Atlanta in 2013 and launched her first textile collection last year.

"Each shape is different from the others in size and color. This concept resembles the connection of different and random pieces that become one harmonious unity," notes a statement explaining Zaa's concept for the piano's design. "This is the artist's hope for peace in the world."

Now that the festival is ending, the Pianos for Peace will be donated to schools, nursing homes, health care facilities, community centers and other organizations where they will continue to bring people together through music.