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The Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center has been awarded a capital grant of $52,000 by the New York Council on the Arts for Historic Marquee Restoration. BRENDAN J. O'REILLY
The Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center has been awarded a capital grant of $52,000 by The New York Council on the Arts for Historic Marquee Restoration. COURTESY WHBPAC
The Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center has been awarded a capital grant of $52,000 by the New York Council on the Arts for Historic Marquee Restoration.
Under the direction of WHBPAC Executive Director Julienne Penza-Boone, this project aims to restore the theater’s iconic marquee, which serves as a landmark to the Westhampton Beach community and surrounding area. As a cultural touchstone, it has appeared in many local and tourist photos, and gives Main Street its signature glow at night. In its nearly 90-year history, the marquee has appeared on postcards, real estate brochures, and news articles, and is a central image in how the village defines its sense of self.
“We are so grateful to the New York State Council on the Arts for supporting this restoration,” says Penza-Boone. “Whether it was keeping the village illuminated with celebration messages in the dark of COVID, advertising our stellar performances as we recover from the pandemic, or generally serving as the iconic landmark of Westhampton Beach, our marquee has proven to be both critical to the success of the PAC and also the centerpiece of our beautiful Main Street.”
Staff Writer on May 12, 2022