(Photo courtesy Ian Schuler, Arroyo Repertory Theatre)
(Photo courtesy Ian Schuler, Arroyo Repertory Theatre)
A new mural will be unveiled on Saturday afternoon at an arts facility on the grounds of a Pasadena church.
The public is invited to witness the unveiling of the new colorful façade of Porticos Art Space, set for 5 p.m. on the grounds of St. James United Methodist Church, 2033 E Washington Blvd.
Arroyo Repertory Theatre (ART) spokesperson Keira Wight said the unveiling marks the start of the theatre’s new season of events and programs in the coming months, including interactive theatre productions, performing arts and visual art showcases.
According to Wight, the mural, painted by Pasadenan Ian Schuler, “was designed to reflect elements of our environment, community, and our dedication to inclusive visual and performing arts programming.”
Porticos Art Space is a multi-use indoor and outdoor space for artists.
A number of ART’s previous events have been presented at the facility.
“We decided to change the façade of the building because we had the opportunity and the freedom to make changes to that side of the building and beautify and express what we are as an organization and as a space,” Wight said.
Artist Ian Schuler. (Courtesy photo)
“We wanted to provide the opportunity for a local artist to brighten the space up a bit. And we thought that especially in this time where we’ve been shut in and just kind of sucks for the last year and a half, we thought that literally brightening up our space would be a good start.”
Wight said the mural will also have significance to the theatre’s Pasadena identity and artistic identity.
In making the artwork, Schuler, who is known for painting images that combine natural and humanistic forms with geometric shapes, pulled images of Pasadena’s natural beauty such as roses, peacock feathers and hummingbirds and combined these with images that represent performing arts, such as drama masks and ribbons, among others.
As the art world adapts to survive amid the pandemic, Wight expressed hopes that the mural will encourage the community to create artwork and make connections through their creations.
The unveiling event will also feature musical performances by Los Angeles-based artist Nick Crow and Rusty Tinder.
A reception with the artists and the leadership team of ART will follow after the unveiling.
ART is a nonprofit organization focused on the encouragement and development of artistic experiences and expression in the community.
It provides programs and workshops not only in theatre, but also in fine arts, music, and digital art.
For more information about ART and its activities, visit arroyorepertory.org.
