Friends of the Del Mar is in the midst of raising $50,000 to complete the following projects. Please consider donating and help bring us closer to these exciting goals.
Background: Recollections of those who came to the Del Mar Theatre in its early years included a mural on the mezzanine. Painted over more than 50 years ago, the original mural was recently partially uncovered, revealing a stencil pattern, a gold leaf frame of the ceiling and a hand painted medallion. Ceiling damage precludes restoration of the actual original mural, but extensive documentation while the mural was uncovered will allow the mural to be reproduced.
Background: These glamorous, art-deco chandeliers originally hung beneath the balcony in the main theatre. When the single auditorium was divided into four parts in order to show more movies, the chandeliers were removed to make room for projectors.
The three chandeliers fell into various hands. One was located and purchased by Friends of the Del Mar from an antique dealer in Carmel. Another is on loan from local historian, Ross Gibson. The location of the third chandelier is currently unknown. The two chandeliers are currently under renovation by David Subocz, of Willem De Ess Studios in Santa Cruz and co-chair of the Santa Cruz Historical Preservation Commission. As the original location of the chandeliers is no longer available, we plan to hang the restored chandeliers on the mezzanine so that they can still be viewed and enjoyed by the public.
Background: For many years, the ladies’ powder room, which patrons pass through when using the upstairs women’s restroom, has sat empty. More recently some furniture has been added. Friends of the Del Mar plan to renovate it to reflect the glamour of 1930s, when the theatre was built.