During a dark part of the pandemic in 2021, I was given an incredible opportunity to create a silver lining for my community. After the Gold Rush, the Nevada Theatre was built in 1865. This historical landmark is the oldest theater in California and has always been an anchor for arts and culture in downtown Nevada City. Having been shuttered for over a year due to covid protocols, the theatre was having a moment of inactivity that provided a rare lull and a chance to take over the space and make some improvements.
I created a mural concept that was relevant to the history of theater, the culture of our town and one that felt original, fresh and timely. The Board approved it, a beloved community member generously funded it and I put together a team to carry out this enormous project in 7 months. We included a lobby renovation as well. Besides lead muralist, I was project manager.
The first step was getting an impressive scaffolding system installed in order to access the high walls and nearly 40 foot ceiling. This required having 100 seats professionally deinstalled along the walls in order to fit the scaffold and create access for painting. We ended up with three levels going up the side walls and one continuous floor suspended 6 ft below the ceiling. Once setup, we had the walls re-plastered in oder to create a smoother surface, adding to the overall integrity of the mural. One ton of plaster was used. Next came the first pass with paint. Painting contractors used nearly 60 gallons to prime and paint the base-coat on all of the walls and the ceiling.
Three months in, we were able to focus entirely on the mural. I was lucky enough to enlist local artists Miles Toland and Brianna French. Together the 3 of us created a cohesive wonderland inside the auditorium, that feels more than ever, like a unique, moonlit chapel. Both artists brought so much talent and ideas to the table - I am forever grateful. The project was incredibly smooth. Challenges included working in a dark space and creating a mural to be seen in very low light conditions. Also, much of the floor is sloped toward the stage and the uneven footing had its downsides.
The final result is a mural entirely about Place. It is Nevada City through and through. It is for everyone who has lived here past, present and future. Imagery includes Nisenan tribal relics and designs, local flora and fauna, the 4 elements of life, an oversized full moon centered on the ceiling and a whole lot of stars and clouds. There are strong Art Deco undertones, expanding on existing architectural elements and large Yuba River waterfalls cascading down from the balcony filling pools with chinook salmon like in days past. The title is “Drop by Drop, A River is Formed”. This mural honors the Nisenan, Nevada City’s original inhabitants. It also celebrates the natural splendor we are so lucky to live in. My wish is for everyone who experiences this mural to feel inspired and at home.
Below is a 10 minute video about the making of the mural by Yasha Aginsky: