Please fund Artist, BJ Lane's Piano Facelift Project

Why your donation matters

The Miss Mary Piano Project is more than just paint on wood—it’s a community-powered masterpiece that brings together music, theater, and visual art to inspire connection, creativity, and joy. Spearheaded by artist B.J. Lane and enriched by collaborators like Joel Anderson and Aileen Brandt-Merling, this project transforms an old, weathered piano into a vibrant symbol of unity and artistic expression. Your donation directly supports the materials, tools, and countless hours poured into every brushstroke—ensuring this piano is not only beautiful, but meaningful. Whether you give $10 or $100, you’re helping bring art into public spaces and making a lasting impact in the Oceanside and Fallbrook communities. Help us bring Miss Mary to life—because art is how we heal, connect, and celebrate what makes us human.

For over four decades, B.J. Lane has inspired others through her powerful, expressive artwork—gracing galleries, private collections, public installations, and community spaces across the U.S. Her art isn’t just visual—it’s deeply emotional, a celebration of connection, healing, and humanity. She has collaborated on public benches, murals, and mentorships with youth, always bringing communities together through color, story, and soul.

But sometimes, life calls in unexpected ways.

B.J. is also a full-time caregiver to her adult daughter with autism. Balancing her thriving art career with 24/7 caregiving is no small feat—but when the Oceanside Cultural Arts Foundation and the Sunshine Brooks Theatre invited her to take on a major community art project, she said yes. With love.

“Miss Mary” is an old upright piano being transformed into a vibrant, musical canvas—designed and painted by B.J. to reflect the joy, rhythm, and diversity of the Oceanside community. Once completed, it will sit inside the Brooks Theatre, welcoming visitors to touch the keys and become part of the creative experience.

But here’s where you come in.

“Miss Mary”, the piano has been moved from the Brooks Theatre to her art studio and she and her husband have graciously donated their time and love in dismantling the piano to begin the project. She has already put two weeks of designing, meetings, paint selection and piano prep. Now she needs help with the funds needed to complete the project on time.

This fundraiser helps cover professional-grade materials, labor, and assistance for her daughter so B.J. can complete the piano on time. Your donation helps bring joy to the community through music and art-and supports an artist who gives her all. Your donation of $25, $50 or $100 or more dollars will be greatly appreciated.

Cost to complete the project is 2- fold:

Supplies: Floor paper and other brushes $250

Sandpaper and steel wool $39

Painters tape $37

Transportation of piano to/from studio FREE

Reimbursement for Primer paint cost $250

More accent paint $570

Additional Enamel Sign Paint $484

Lunches for volunteers help $40 Total $1670

In addition, BJ needs funds to cover the cost of labor.

Labor

7 weeks artist work $12,800

7-Days artist work, completed $1750

Fund design/Admin and stencil design labor $2280

Cost - Nursing assist. for Daughter $8,000

25.50 per hr X 8 hrs X 5 days per wk X 8 wks.

2-weeks designing, meetings, shopping

and project management $3500 Total $28330

Total Fund Requested $30,000

Thank you

Aileen Brandt-Merling

GoFundMe administrator