Theatre – Larry Johnston, Nostalgic Artist

Lerner Theatre Sign

October 21, 2020February 21, 2021 Admin

The Lerner Theatre Sign

Elkhart, IN

The Lerner Theatre is the key focus of Elkhart, Indiana with their giant sign inviting everyone up and down Main Street to see what’s going on inside the Lerner Theatre, whether it is a performance, movie, or another type of gathering.

When you see the big Lerner sign, you cannot help, but to immediately read what is on the marquee below. It is always exciting when you see that sign with anticipation of the performance you are about to witness.

This painting was selected to exhibit at the Juried Regional at the Midwest Museum of American Art, located in Elkhart, IN.

Other Theatres I have painted are: The Palace in South Bend, IN; The Reese in Plymouth, IN; Fox in Detroit, Atlanta’s Fox, Fox #2 in Atlanta; The Chicago Theatre; The Los Angeles Theatre; Loew’s Theatre in Jersey City, NJ, Warner Theatre, Elkhart.

Morris Performing Arts Center

October 14, 2020February 22, 2021 Admin

around the sides of the wood.

Loew’s Jersey Theatre

January 2, 2015February 22, 2021 Admin

Loew’s Jersey Theatre

Jersey City, NJ

While researching local landmarks in my home-town of South Bend, Indiana, I recreated the Old Palace theatre, to make it look like it did in its thriving era. I started a series of the old theatres that were built during the 1920’s, which included the Chicago Theatre. Later I discovered the Loew’s Jersey, which, at the time was in disrepair was closed in 1986.

The fascination to me was the animated clock outside the building, which had two statues above the clock, St. George and a Dragon. There were red light bulbs in the dragon’s mouth which, when lit, simulated fire. On the quarter hour, the clock would chime and the statues would perform and the knight would approach the dragon and tip forward with his lance simulating a lunge.

The theatre was remodeled and reopened in 1996.

Other Theatres I have painted are: The Palace in South Bend, IN; The Reese in Plymouth, IN; Fox in Detroit, Atlanta’s Fox, Fox #2 in Atlanta; The Chicago Theatre; The Los Angeles Theatre; Warner Theatre, Elkhart and the Lerner Sign in Elkhart, Indiana.

around the sides of the wood.

24” x 36” Original Painting on Canvas Not Available

Rees Theatre

January 2, 2015February 22, 2021 Admin

Rees Theatre

Plymouth, IN

Plymouth, Indiana is the home of the famous Blueberry Festival, where thousands of people converge on the little town in northern Indiana. The Rees theatre has seen its share of ups and downs. After a long rest, the Rees Theatre is getting new breath, with the remodeling that has been taking place. It seems like the whole town is getting involved in its restoration.

While the theatre was in limbo, years ago, I painted this as a token to the town. While traveling from one show to another for years, I chose interesting places that the townsfolk could identify with when they viewed the paintings. The Rees Theatre was one of those iconic places.

Other Theatres I have painted are: The Palace in South Bend, IN; Fox in Detroit, Atlanta’s Fox, Fox #2 in Atlanta; The Chicago Theatre; The Los Angeles Theatre; Loew’s Theatre in Jersey City, NJ, Warner Theatre, Elkhart and the Lerner Sign in Elkhart, Indiana.