Mercedes Ibáñez, City of Davis Poet Laureate (2024-2027)

Mercedes Ibáñez is an accomplished poet, playwright, and retired psychologist. Born in Perú, she has lived in Davis, California since 1976, where she raised two daughters. She is an active Davis community member, having volunteered at numerous local organizations such as the Mondavi Center for the Arts and the Yolo County Library. This is in addition to working with programs and organizations such as Head Start, Yolo County, and Sacramento County Office of Education.

For years, Mercedes Ibáñez has shared her words and art with the Davis community, writing plays for a local theatre group and reading her poetry at local poetry nights. Her long list of awards includes the National Literary Award (Peru), an award for an English-to-Spanish book translation, and the publication of over six poetry books in both Spanish and English. Her most recent poetry book, Poems from the Roof, is a collection of poems from everyday life.

Read the press release here.

Julia B. Levine (2021-2024)

James Lee Jobe (2018-2021)

Dr. Andy Jones (2014-2018)

Eve West Bessier (2012-2014)

Allegra Silberstein (2010-2012)

The nomination period is now closed for the City's 2024-2027 Poet Laureate position. 

• See our GUIDELINES HERE.
• Read the full PRESS RELEASE HERE.

You can find In the Key of Davis pianos at the following community locations:

Seasonally (during dry months)

We are no longer accepting piano donations at this time.

Thank you, Davis community, for the many generous donations of pianos for the public!

When piano donation time does open up again during future public piano seasons, please be advised that this program cannot accommodate immediate donations such as urgent move-out situations, due to the intake process we must follow in collaboration with our community partner. Thank you for your understanding.   

In the Key of Davis was launched in 2015 as the brainchild of two local teenagers, Isabelle and Hailey Shapiro, who experienced a similar program while visiting another city. The Shapiro Family has been coordinating the program ever since, and work with the City each year to introduce new pianos and locations.

“Music helps to bring people together,” said former Davis Mayor Will Arnold. “Our hope for this program is that it will uplift and connect people while bringing joy and positivity to the community.”

Pianos are tuned regularly after being placed in the Davis community. In the Key of Davis offers a space for improvisational gatherings, spontaneous connections and celebrations of music. All pianos in the program have been donated by community members.

For questions regarding this program, contact Rachel Hartsough at: rhartsough@cityofdavis.org or 530-757-5640.

Press contact: Barbara Archer, barcher@cityofdavis.org, 530-400-3418

In The Key of Davis Facebook page

Instagram: @key_of_davis

Public Art Network: Public Art and Private Development Resource Guide For Developers

King County Public Art Program: Public Art & Private Development Report on Program Policies

For more information, or support in your project, please contact our Arts & Cultural Affairs staff at rhartsough@cityofdavis.org or (530) 757-5640.