“Every piano is different,” Toms says. “Each time we take one apart, we find new pieces or new versions of pieces we’ve seen before. The first step is always understanding what we have—because our inventory changes with every piano we adopt.”

For Smithmier, the technical work comes easily. The real challenge lies in envisioning how to transform the countless components into cohesive, functional works of art. With so many possibilities, the process can feel overwhelming—but that creative abundance is also what fuels their work.

So far, the duo has crafted a desk, lamp, light fixture, mantel, wall mirror, wall art, and a coffee table—made entirely from a single piano harp. As they continue to grow, they’re building a catalog of pieces to help prospective clients imagine what’s possible.

They describe their work as bespoke, reinventive, and revitalized—an approach that respects the original instrument and the artisans who built it, while giving the piano a renewed purpose.

“We’re never going to compete with that level of original craftsmanship,” Toms says. “But if we can honor it in a way that brings new light to it, that feels meaningful.”

As Second Chair Art evolves, Toms and Smithmier remain focused on that balance—preserving the past while creating something entirely new.