Author: latchisarts

Looking for a gift idea for someone very special? How about a gift certificate for any of the great simulcasts of the Metropolitan Opera, National Theatre and Bolshoi Ballet at the Latchis Theatre.

“This is one of our most popular programs. The quality of these presentations is sky-high,” said Latchis Executive Director Jon Potter. “Gift certificates are a great way to introduce them to someone new or do something special for a loyal fan.”

Upcoming offerings include the Met Operas Nabucco (Jan. 7) and “Romeo et Juliette” (Jan. 21), as well as many more after that.

Gift certificates are for sale at the Latchis Hotel front desk. For more information, you can contact me at jon@0je.22e.myftpupload.com or 802-254-1109, ext. 3. You can also contact simulcast coordinator Sharry Manning at 802-257-5717 or sjmpr@comcast.net.

Latchis Arts announces the publication of “Greek Epic: The Latchis Family and the New ngland Theater Empire They Built,” a fascinating and lively book that combines local history and personal stories with sweeping themes in the news today – immigration, the American Dream, and the importance of family, community and culture.

Author Gordon Hayward, a nationally known garden designer, writer and lecturer, and current president of Latchis Arts, the non-profit organization which oversees the Latchis Memorial Building, spent more than a year conducting scores of interviews with local historians, Latchis staff and board members past and present, many Latchis family members and even the granddaughter of Louis Jambor, the Hungarian immigrant artist from New York City who painted the murals on the Latchis Theatre walls in 1938.

The result is an engaging and eye-catching 220-page book with 85 color and black-and-white photographs that brings to light the extraordinary Latchis family, their journey from Greece to Brattleboro, the challenges and successes of their assimilation into their new community and American culture, the resilience they showed through changing times, cycles of fortune and loss, and hurricanes and fires, to build a 14-theater empire in Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Ultimately, the book is a testament to the hard work of four generations of a remarkable family and the dedicated group of community-minded people who stepped in to save the Latchis Memorial Building and make sure it continues to serve as a cultural hub for future generations.

Copies of the book are available at the Latchis Hotel front desk or by e-mailing jon@0je.22e.myftpupload.com.

“Movies and the performing arts are centered in Brattleboro around the nearly eighty-year-old Latchis Memorial Theatre, which, since 2003, has been overseen by what is now Latchis Arts, a non-profit for which I have been board president since October 2014. I have written this book to further this cause: to keep the theater thriving, to maintain and restore this magnificent historic building, and to celebrate its contribution to the culture of southeastern Vermont. All of the proceeds from the sale of this book will go toward the work of the non-profit Latchis Arts organization,” writes Hayward in the Introduction to “Greek Epic.”

Friends of the Latchis and fans of Brattleboro history will appreciate the story of the now nearly 80-year-old art deco Latchis Memorial Building, which the family built in 1938 to honor the work of their patriarch, Demetrios. He immigrated from Greece in 1901, arrived in Brattleboro and began as a fruit peddler, working his way up to business owner and head of a theater empire. Local readers will also appreciate Hayward’s insights into the history and importance of the arts in Brattleboro and the extraordinary people – Rudyard Kipling, Blanche Moyse, Rudolf Serkin, Robert Flaherty, architect William Rutherford Mead, and the Estey Family among them – who have lived and made their art here.

Readers throughout Vermont and New Hampshire will learn about the importance of historic buildings and cultural centers like the Latchis in maintaining the health of their downtowns and their communities. Furthermore, the book, is testament to the crucial role non-profits organizations and the volunteer spirit play in the health and success of our communities and to the ways the non-profit and for-profit sectors can work together to make common goals happen.

“Greek Epic” also sheds light on the history of southeastern Vermont in the 20th century, as we learn about the Latchis family as they battled shifting cultural and economic forces through the Roaring Twenties, the Depression, World War II and the rapid changes brought in the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s.

“Greek Epic” lives up to its title in sweep and scope. The story of the Latchis family is a quintessential American immigration story. In the context of our current climate where the role of immigration is debated vigorously on both sides of the aisle, “Greek Epic” puts immigration in a personal light, reminding readers of the multi-faceted contributions made by people who moved here and overcame adversity and cultural obstacles.

“Greek Epic” is also a story of “the American Dream” – what it was for one man and his family, how it came to fruition, how it withstood threats, challenges and tragedies, how it ultimately had to change and how new people with new dreams, but a common core of personal and community values took over. Shifting its focus to home and hearth, “Greek Epic” is also about family – about fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, grandchildren – and how they all came together in a New World to build something that still stands with their name on it.

Above all, it is a human story, which opens the doors of this four-screen movie theater and 30-room hotel in this massive art deco building to reveal a setting where the loves and labors, triumphs and tragedies, setbacks and rises, and hopes and dreams of a large cast of wonderful characters are revealed, not as the plot of the latest movie seen on the Latchis Theatre screens, but in the real-life story of those who once made and still make the Latchis happen. “Greek Epic” was designed and edited by Wind Ridge Books, with additional editorial assistance from John Barstow, Irene Canaris, Castle Freeman and John Carnahan. For more information and additional copies of the book, visit latchisarts.org.

Jon Potter to take the helm

Lisa Bloch, President of Latchis Arts, and Rick Hashagen, President of Latchis Corporation, are happy to announce that Jon Potter of Brattleboro will take over duties as Executive Director of the two organizations as of July 1.

In a joint statement, Bloch and Hashagen remarked, “We’re delighted to welcome Jon Potter to lead both the non-profit arts component at the Latchis, and the day-to-day business dealings of the Latchis Hotel and Theatre. His relationship to the arts and artists in the area is a big plus to both halves of our equation.”

Potter’s background in the arts stems from his eleven years covering the arts for the Brattleboro Reformer as editor of Ovation, the paper’s weekly arts and entertainment section.

Filmmaker Jay Craven, who has premiered many of his films at the Latchis, called Potter, “an inspired choice.  Jon is smart, empathetic, is well-versed in the arts, and has vital connections to all the players in the community.”

Potter will replace Gail Nunziata, who is stepping down after ten years at the Latchis.

“I look forward to a short overlapping period with Jon and then to step aside and watch where the project goes,” Nunziata commented. “I’m sure Jon will lead the Latchis deeper into the arts community, and in exciting new directions.”

“I’m excited and pleased to have the opportunity to participate in the arts and economy of Brattleboro in a new way,” said Potter.   “The Latchis is a cornerstone of the arts in the region. I am honored to be chosen to take on the task.”

In the ongoing celebration of the newly renovated Latchis Theatre, the Latchis is very pleased to highlight accessibility improvements made to serve people with disabilities.  “The Latchis and Latchis Arts are committed to doing the best we can with our historic structure” says Managing Director Gail Nunziata.  “The recent campaign gave us the opportunity to make advances.”

Specific wheelchair accessible seating locations with companion seats are now available in clearly marked locations around the hall.  One location is permanent, and seven offer flexible wheelchair accessible seating, all with companion seats.  While “flexible” means that either theatre seats or wheelchairs may inhabit a space, in most cases the everyday set-up will accommodate wheelchairs.

One fan of the Latchis’ accessibility improvements is Ben Underhill of Brattleboro.  “I appreciate the availability of wheelchair and companion seating, as well as accessible facilities.  I always felt welcome at the Latchis, but these make it less of a chore to go to the movies or attend an event.”

Additionally, transfer arms are installed on eight aisle seats at various locations throughout the theatre.  Transfer arms are aisle armrests that lift up to create easier access for people with mobility concerns.  They are found by looking for seats that lack the Latchis’ historic aisle seat ends.  An ADA insignia is displayed instead.

Ticketing outlets for Live at the Latchis events have been asked to identify the accessible and transfer seat locations on their web sites, and to provide a statement explaining how to reserve those seats.

The Ballroom Theatre, Fountain Theatre, and Latchis 4 also have wheelchair accessible spaces.  The Ballroom is accessible by elevator, although staff assistance is required to access this theatre.  Please ask at the ticket booth or concession stand.

All four Latchis theatres have been outfitted with assistive listening devices (ALDs) for use by movie goers at no charge.  This equipment is available by request at the concession stand.

The Main Theatre employs Radio Frequency Transmitters and a Loop system, extending full coverage around the room and in the balcony.  Three belt-clip transmitters and headsets are available.  Patrons may bring their own headphones.  Ear buds can also be used with this system.  Patrons are welcome to bring their own , or purchase at the concession stand for $1.00.

The Loop system is for use with hearing aids.  A transmitter is worn around the neck and the movie’s sound is enhanced through a person’s own hearing aids.  Two loops are available.

The Radio Frequency Transmitter and Loop systems can accommodate a total of three patrons in the Main Theatre at one time.

The Ballroom Theatre, Fountain Theatre, and Latchis 4 all employ an infrared system.  There are a total of five specialized headsets available for use with the infrared system.

In addition, the Latchis is able to offer movies with closed captioning.  Advance notice is necessary.  Please leave a message 254-6300×158 to arrange a special screening.

Visually impaired guests can take advantage of the descriptive video system, which provides narrated information about key visual actions, settings and scene changes.  This system is available by prior arrangement, by leaving a message at 802-254-6300×158.   Assistive listening devices and descriptive systems cannot run simultaneously, so coordination is required.

Restrooms off the main lobby each include an accessible stall and sink. A wheelchair for patron use is available on site.

The Latchis Theatre strives to make the arts available to people of all abilities.  For general information or questions on accessibility, please contact Gail Nunziata at 802-254-1109. Visit www.latchis.com for movie and Live at the Latchis schedules and information.

The Campaign for The Heavens and The Earth has reached the $550,000 goal!

Recent support from Against the Grain Gourmet, Trust Company of Vermont, and the Cherry Street community – who got together to buy a chair (great idea!) – gave the final push that landed us over the top.  Enormous thanks!

What a marvelous accomplishment for our small town, with most of the funding coming from right here at home. And of course, we had help from great friends around the corner in Boston (Thomas Thompson Trust), up the road in Montpelier (State of Vermont, Vermont Arts Council and Vermont Cultural Facilities Coalition), through the woods to Grafton (Windham Foundation)…and a little spur to the south, USDA out of Vernon and Washington, DC.

Our gorgeous new theatre is a sight to behold.  If you haven’t seen it, come on in!

Photos by Jeff Woodward of Jeff Woodward Photography

The Campaign for The Heavens and The Earth is roaring to the finish line, while the actual construction project is going along right on schedule!  How wonderful it would be to finish both AT THE SAME TIME! Our Grand Re-Opening with Ken Burns is October 19.  Think about it! (Details about that on our Live at the Latchis page).

We are a mere $32,000 away from that incredible milestone.  Yes, due to the outpouring of generosity and affection for the Latchis Theatre, this community and our partners have  contributed $518,000 toward the $550,000 goal.  Holy cow!

If you want to be a part of this extraordinary effort, please click Donate Now or send a good old-fashioned check to Latchis Arts at 50 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301.  Your donation now at whatever level works for you will make a huge impact! Perks include inscribed nametags on the armrests in the Front Orchestra ($1000) Rear Orchestra ($500) or Balcony ($250).  Five signs of the Zodiac ($10,000) are still up for naming:  Libra, Capricorn, Pisces, Taurus and Virgo.

With just $32,000 to go, we are totally on the downward slide!

Latchis Arts and the glorious Latchis Theatre say thank you to the Brattleboro community for its patience and goodwill as we waited for the installation of our new marquee.

Latchis Arts has been quietly raising grant funds for The Campaign for the Heavens and the Earth, our seat replacement and ceiling restoration project.   We’re happy to make some noise now and tell you we are 5 for 5! Three new funders join the Thompson Trust and Windham Foundation in their support of this Campaign: $1000 from C&S Wholesale Grocers Community Involvement Program; $17,400 from USDA Rural Development; and a whopping $30,000 from the Vermont Arts Council’s Cultural Facilities Coalition and the State of Vermont. This makes us even more inspired to reach our goal of $550,000!

Latchis Arts Goes Two for Two

Latchis Arts is proud to announce that it has received two grant awards to support the organization’s Campaign for the Heavens and the Earth , a $550,000 campaign to restore the zodiac ceiling (the Heavens) and replace the auditorium seating (the Earth) in the Latchis Theatre in downtown Brattleboro.

The Windham Foundation, famous for Grafton cheddar and dedicated to promoting Vermont’s rural communities, awarded $10,000 to the campaign. “We’re delighted that we could help the Latchis,” noted Bob Allen, President and CEO of the Windham Foundation.

The Thomas Thompson Trust, longtime ally of Brattleboro Arts Initiative and now Latchis Arts, presented a challenge grant in the amount of $50,000, as long as the campaign meets the goal balance of $500,000. William B. Tyler, Trustee of the Thompson Trust said, “The Trustees recognize that this is an ambitious campaign goal and are hopeful that friends and family of the Latchis Theatre will support this important project.”

“We are immensely grateful to Thompson Trust and Windham Foundation, especially at this time in the campaign,” said Gail Nunziata, Latchis Arts managing director. “Support from these well-respected granting organizations goes a long way to attract more participation in the campaign, especially with the Thompson Trust’s challenge. We invite donors large and small to help us meet the goal.”

The Campaign for the Heavens and the Earth was about to get off the ground last year, when Tropical Storm Irene brought Latchis activity to a halt. “We couldn’t in good conscience continue with the campaign while flood recovery was going on in the town,” remarked Nunziata. But as time passed and the new normal emerged, it became time to get back on track. “We are keeping to the pre-flood timetable, so time is of the essence,” she said. “We plan to close the main theatre for construction in January 2013.”

The Latchis Theatre is the region’s largest auditorium for live events, and is the town’s only movie theatre, with four screens. The Campaign for the Heavens and the Earth aims to replace the original seats and restore the ceiling in the main auditorium. The southern Vermont region is well acquainted with the condition of the seats and the ceiling in the main theatre. Going on 75 years of continuous use, the seats are showing their age. The ceiling was victim to a leaky roof in years past and although the roof has been replaced, the damage to ceiling fabric and zodiac designs remains.

The repairs and replacements are being done with historic preservation in mind. “The art deco aisle ends will remain,” Nunziata says. “These pieces are important to the history of the room,” although, she points out, they will be refurbished to their original luster.

Along with restoring the ceiling as we know it, Latchis Arts hopes to return a starry night effect to the heavens, using LED lighting instead of the ancient light bulbs that originally lit the “sky.” Bringing the theatre up to code for ADA accessibility upgrades is another major goal of the project.

With $500,000 to raise in order to meet the Thompson Trust challenge, Latchis Arts is planning outreach and events. For information call 802-254-1109, visit latchisarts.org or write to gail@0je.22e.myftpupload.com.

Originally published in The Commons issue #137 (Wednesday, February 1, 2012).

BRATTLEBORO — Registration has begun for the fourth annual edition of Spell Check! A Spelling Bee for Grown-Ups.

On April 14 at 6 p.m. on the main stage at the Latchis Theatre, the humorous evening of serious thought benefits Latchis Arts (formerly the Brattleboro Arts Initiative) and pits trios of spellers against one another before a whimsical panel: Master of Ceremonies Tom Bodett, Judge Archer Mayor, and Beekeeper Jim Maxwell.

“Rampant wordplay, anecdotes, bicycle horns, and laughter are sure to deliver the most outrageous of serious evenings,” organizers write.

Past years have boasted beehive hairdos, heifer costumes, and plenty of fun. Bragging rights, fame, and the right to display the winner’s name on the forthcoming new Latchis marquee are at stake.

“It’s almost like some spectacular sporting event,” remarks Jerry Stockman, a member of the twice-victorious team To Bee Or Not To Bee. “Or like we’re in the studio to record a game show! There’s that sort of sensibility about it.”

He and his teammates are gearing up for this year’s competition, and hoping for another win.

There is a $100 fee per team, and each team must also raise an additional $100 sponsorship. For registration forms and further information about Spell Check!, contact spellcheck@0je.22e.myftpupload.com or visit www.latchisarts.org/spell-check. Registration deadline is April 1. Tickets cost $10 for adults, $8 for children.