Shoppers strolling through the Prudential Center were treated to a concert Friday afternoon, when College of Fine Arts graduate student Maria Pikoula gave a free piano performance in the mall.

Pikoula’s performance was part of the 11-day long Spectrum Arts Festival, in which musicians, performers and visual artists from the Boston University community raised money for VH1’s Save The Music Foundation by bringing their art to public places.

“It was a great experience because it gave music to the general public in a building that’s a landmark,” Pikoula said. “It’s a great feeling to know that you attract people with your music.”

“I chose music from various eras but also pieces that would be understood by people who wouldn’t have had classical training,” she said. “We try to have a variety of styles.”

Festival organizer Jay Youmans, a CFA senior, said the festival’s purpose was to reach out to the community, publicly promoting everyday art.

“As the world gets busier and busier, it’s crucial to take art to public places,” he said. “Art is becoming more and more important as we adapt to a society that’s changing.”

The festival ruined not only money, but also awareness for music education, with participants raising funds at a gala last night in Metcalf Hall in the George Sherman Union, Youman said.

“I think music in kids’ lives benefits them,” Youmans said. “I’m smarter, happier because of it.”

CFA 2007 alumnus Yevgeny Kutik said it is “one of the greatest things, giving back to the Boston community.”

He said he plans to offer a classical violin performance this Friday, and is interested in “how music affects people in daily lives.”

Rebecca Celebuski, a CFA sophomore, said the festival allows students to “play for people who wouldn’t ordinarily hear what we do.”

“It’s good to get out of the BU bubble,” she said.

Many in attendance on Friday said they came across Pikoula’s performance by accident.

“Happening across things like this is what living in the city’s about,” Joan Hazlett, a Cambridge resident, said. She said she decided to stay and listen after making a trip to the post office.

Though Youmans said there are no plans to make the festival an annual event, he hopes it will continue next year.

“The concept should be to celebrate artists,” he said. “I would like to see stuff like this here all the time.”

Prudential Center vendors said the free mini-concerts and art exhibitions were not an inconvenience, instead noting they drew crowds and were good for business overall.

Scarf vendor Bhairale Dahal said he considered the students’ photo exhibition near his stall, called Sushma, good for business.

Gerry Sardina, working next door at Boston Tops, echoed with his sentiments, noting there is “always something going on at the Prudential Center.”