Griffin Newsletter

DONATION FROM THE WILLIAM STARK JONES FOUNDATION

“Our hope is that this investment in your organization will serve as affirmation of the valuable work Ironwood Theatre does to improve the quality of life for those it serves.”

This quote is from a letter from Katherine W. Lambert, Trustee of the William Stark Jones Foundation, which accompanied a donation to the Theatre of $2,000.

These funds will be applied to the purchase of a new computer server that will dramatically improve office functions and allow some staff to work from home.

CONCOURSE RESTORATION

In the mid-1980s, the Theatre Board plan for the newly acquired Ironwood Theatre was to develop the facility into a regional center for the arts. Through an intense two decades of restoration work a large part of that goal was accomplished. In addition to the work on the building the Theatre group concentrated primarily on presenting performances. Patrons from around the area saw schoolchildren sing, local and nationally known dance companies perform, orchestras playing symphonies and magicians pull rabbits out of hats.

Now, as we begin a new era in the life of the classic old silent movie and vaudeville house, we will finally see the planners’ dream come true. The first phase of a new renovation program in the Theatre concourse area has been completed. Soon, artwork will hang on the walls.

Over the past few weeks, volunteers and staff have torn down old wallpaper and mirrored tiles that were installed during the 1960s as part of a modernization effort. In early August a crew from the Liberty Drywall Company of Ironwood volunteered their services to replaster and paint the walls.

When moulding is in place and detail work is finished, the concourse will be ready for art exhibits, turning the Ironwood Theatre into a true Center for the Arts.

Are you an artist? Do you have ideas for the Theatre’s new “art walk?” Stop in or call with your suggestions. We’re here to listen.

A NEW PHASE BRINGS CHANGE
A New Management Team and New Ideas

It’s a new day at the Ironwood Theatre. A new management team has ushered in the Theatre’s rebirth – from a Center for the Performing Arts into “a community center for all the arts for all the people of the Gogebic Range.” In June, the Theatre Board appointed long-time Ironwood resident and former businessman Phil Kucera as Managing Director to carry the Theater forward into the new era.

Under Kucera’s guidance the management team is brainstorming new ideas and developing new programs for the Theatre. Veteran Theatre staff members, with many years of experience and in-depth knowledge of Theatre operations, are also on board to assist Kucera in his new role.

Of primary importance to the Board and staff is creating an art exhibition space in the concourse.

A long time goal was achieved this month as volunteers Tom Brown, Gene Schlais, and Jim Mylly painstakingly removed wallpaper, and mirrored panels installed in the Theatre in the early 1960s prior to the World Premiere showing here of the movie “Adventures of a Young Man.”

Liberty Drywall of Ironwood was contracted to restore the original plaster finish to the concourse. Doing the job basically for a materials fee only, Liberty owner Steve Anderson said, “I’ve attended events in this Theatre since I was a little kid … It’s about time I gave something back.” Our thanks for a job well done!

Mark Silver, President
Ironwood Theatre Board of Directors

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