The Virginia
a Pastel Painting by Sherry Hutson
Throngs of avid movie-goers gather at The Virginia for the annual Ebertfest, a film exhibition for “brave, free spirits who still hold faith with the unlimited potential of the cinema” (Roger Ebert).
The sparkle of night and glow of marquee fall on festive patrons with pinks, yellows, oranges, blues and magentas in this pastel painting. The two-sided canopy projects from theatre entrance to create strong diagonals and angled perspectives. The crowd walks, talks, and waits in line.
Named for his daughter, the Virginia Theatre in downtown Champaign Illinois was commissioned in 1920 by A.W. Stoolman. The exterior was designed in the style of an Italian Renaissance pavilion.
The annual Ebertfest film festival was created in 1999 by the University of Illinois, and was hosted by alumnus and noted film critic Roger Ebert until his death in 2013.
Professionally framed, gallery style, black wood.
Original art: 25 x 19 inches
Framed art: 33 x 27 inches
Framed art: 33 x 27 inches
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