It’s rare to see a grand piano or historic staircase carved into a tree, but a nationally recognized master woodcarver has done just that.
Dayle Lewis’ new public art was celebrated Tuesday, Nov. 4, at the corner of South Third and B streets near downtown Richmond.
Leaders of the 4th Street Foundation say the Richmond carver’s work is a tribute to Old Richmond’s deep musical and industrial heritage and it shows how creativity continues to connect residents.
The sculpture’s intricate design features a grand piano rising from a tree trunk. It symbolizes Richmond’s world-famous connection to Starr Piano Factory and Gennett Records, where some of the earliest and most influential jazz, blues and country recordings were made.
The staircase carved into the piece represents the historic stairway that once connected South Second Street to the piano factory. Factory workers who built Richmond’s reputation for craftsmanship and innovation used that stairway.
At the top, a cluster of hand-carved houses honors the workers’ homes that once overlooked those steps, representing the strong sense of community that helped shape Richmond’s early neighborhoods. Lewis travels around Indiana and Ohio to create large-scale chainsaw sculptures.
Those aware of a street tree marked for removal that could become the next “Roots of Richmond” carving can email 4thstreetfoundation@gmail.com.
A version of this article appeared in the November 12 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.