These art panels in Johnson City explore Schorr stage's firehouse, theater history
Residents walking near Johnson City's Willow Street will notice four new pieces of art and new lighting adorning the front of the Goodwill Theatre's Schorr Family Firehouse Stage.
Four historic art panels have been installed over the former garage doors on the building. Spotlights illuminate the artwork at night and interior window lightning has been added on the second and third floors.
The renovations, named Project Beacon, were supported by the Broome County Small Community Grants Fund, and were designed to help the Firehouse Stage stand out.
"What we applied for was to animate the building and make it look alive," said Naima Kradjian, CEO of Goodwill Theatre. "We do 65 shows a year, but not everybody sees that the building is open or being used. That problem was what we thought we could solve with this."
Due to its entrance being in the back of the building, and windows being blacked out for the performance area, Kradjian said those unfamiliar with the venue might not know a theater was housed inside the former firehouse.
Kradjian said the group applied for funding in 2022. After the public hearing and permit process, the group finally unveiled the changes March 1.
Where you'll find Schorr firehouse panels
The four historic art panels are painted on pieces of wood which were then slotted in front of the old garage doors.
Created by local artist Gene Czebiniak, the artwork illustrates the past, present and future of the building. Interior lighting can change the panels' color, and will make the building stand out at night, while the spotlights ensure the artwork is visible around the clock.
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Because the panels are placed in front of the former garage doors, they will be removable once the doors are renovated. Kradjian envisions the panels being placed inside the theater, or used as educational images for events such as Johnson City Field Days.
Kradjian says the panels can double as selfie stations, and she hopes people will enjoy and share the artwork.
"It lets people know a little bit about the history of firefighting, the history of what the building has done and what we are doing now," said Kradjian. "We also created it in a way that can be interactive. We hope it brings more people down."
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Goodwill's Schorr stage adds exterior upgrade: See the artwork
