Ok, we have viewed and authenticated the Scenic Backdrop as having been painted by Louis Galanis founder of Scenic Arts Studios Now it’s up to Christos and SAS to do something with this little gem of a theatrical backdrop, restore it in time for the dedication of the Foxborough Community Center. The lovely lady of a backdrop is about to be uncovered!

                                                                       
     

           The main attraction of this event was to be the scenic backdrop itself so she, the backdrop, had to be ready to be seen. I call the backdrop she because the backdrop had a beautiful, mysterious, and elegant quality which is indicative of all great ladies and she did gave us a little trouble. But wait, before I continue. What about her stage home? It too was in disrepair and no place for a lady to call home?
            Scenic Arts Studios had also been commissioned by this wonderful appreciative committee to restore the stage to its original glory. We generously donated our time and labor and they covered the expense of materials, all were more than pleased with resulting budget.  The scenic backdrop lady was to be enveloped in velour of the highest quality. A light colored fawn back curtain hid her delicate paints from the harsh lights of day. A beautiful red velour front curtain would showcase the backdrop from the audience’s viewpoint and side curtains, legs in theatrical speak, cradled her on the left and the right. All was in place to take the backdrop home.
            It was carefully rolled on its original roller, to transport any other way would create new creases and further crackle the surface until we have had a closer look at the damage. Once in the Scenic Studio and after carefully unrolling and assessing the damage the situation was not as bad as formerly thought. The backdrop lady had withstood the ravages of time quite well. Rejuvenation could now begin.


                                                                     

           Christos having grown up with his Dad’s methods knew what he was looking at and how to recreate and repair the scenic backdrop. It was an amazing process to watch. He talked as he worked telling how and why his Dad did this and that to prepare the canvas for painting and what had to be done to repair it. Here, if you expected these methods to be divulged I will have to disappoint, family trade secrets. After several weeks of repairing damage and flat drying the backdrop was ready for hanging in the studio. Under the stage lighting she did look old and faded but I will have to say that once the tears were repaired she did look a little better. Next ...the painted lady blooms!