Staying alive in the arts in the 30's was no easier then than it is today. One walks a fine line between doing what you love and supporting yourself and family, doing what you love. Here step in the Broadway Angels and patrons of the arts who whether with small or large wings or with large or small purses keep alive the arts. In the Beginning Scenic Arts Studios did not live on backdrop rentals and curtains alone. SAS had a patron that recognized Louie and that fine line. This patron's name was Stanley Blinstrub. Now I know that name means nothing to the under 60 generation but Stanley owned the biggest hottest nightclub in the country Blinstrub's Village patterned after a Belgian Village and it was Louie, Bessie, and Christos who created that village. Wayne Newton, Ray Charles, Patti Page, Nat King Cole, Robert Goulet, Johnnie Mathis, Eddie Fisher all got their start or advanced their career at Blinnies. Many dancers got their first jobs dancing in the chorus line to later become teachers of dance,  Sherry Gold and Emmy McWilliams were two dancers Christos remembers. Scenic Arts Studios created the atmosphere in the 30's, 40's, 50's and 60's constantly renovating the stage curtains, backdrops, interior and exterior of the building. The first building that housed Scenic Arts Studios was a large old converted horse stable known as the Pony Express. Christos remembers painting the glass windows for the nightclub along with his sister Angelica in the chilly unheated part of the building while being watched over by Louie. Bessie sewed that fantastic pink Austrian curtain in the photo and Louie later joined by Christos made sure the inside of the nightclub came to life with wall paintings, beautiful props and set pieces and stage backdrops. Fire destroyed Blinstrub's in 1968 along with all the artwork of Scenic Arts Studios. Memories of this generous patron who I am sure in his mind was just giving a talented artist a job, live on in a grateful Scenic Arts Studios.