A little known fun-fact about me - from 2002-2006 I was a member of an amateur dance ensemble called One World Dance, based out of Oak Park. We performed a mix of latin and afro-caribbean numbers at various venues around Chicago - it was a fun period of life that now feels a million years removed from current life. I found this old picture for giggles and boy it takes me back! Why has this made it to a journal post? In a fun full-circle moment for me - Two Hands Interiors has been engaged to help with the historic renovation of the Athenaeum Theater in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood - one of the venues our troupe performed at twenty plus years ago!
This is a dream job in many ways - a gorgeous, historic building with many wonderful stories and eras to tap into for inspiration. We are going to be using a more cosmetic approach in this round of renovations to freshen up the common spaces, improve lighting and re-format some spaces for multi-function events. A co-working space, coffee bar and ballroom are on the agenda - so this project will have a lot going on and we can’t wait to share! We’re taking our design cues from the building first - it’s original terrazzo floors, stunning plaster work and murals. We can’t wait to share our design plans as they take shape. To learn more about this historic theater and the folks bringing it back to life, take a moment to peruse their website.
Also check out their upcoming events - our team is stoked about the upcoming exhibit featuring the work of the husband and wife cinematography team of Roger and James Deakins - who’s work includes The Shawshank Redemption and many of the Cohen brothers films!
I’ll close with a quote from the good folks at The Athenaeum that resonates deeply with me.
Why beauty matters:
The Athenaeum Center is committed to bringing more art and more beauty into the world becuase we think these things make human life richer. Beauty moves the whole human person, connects us with others who are sharing the experience, and brings us to greater knowledge of reality through love.
