WEST POINT, Neb. — The West Point Community Theatre, which is being renovated, will have one big piece of original equipment.
Thanks to an anonymous donor, the restoration committee was able to fund the restoration of the stage curtain from 100 years ago.
Deborah Uhl, a painting conservator from Omaha's Gerald R. Ford Conservation Center, was recruited to inspect a ceiling painting volunteers had found and to look at the curtain.
Uhl said she "fell in love" with the curtain, submitted a bid and went to work.
Uhl's specialty is restoring paintings, including murals.
"This is actually my first curtain," she said.
"First we cleaned the curtain, removing 100 years of dust and soot from a 1960s fire," she said.
Dry cleaning sponges pulled out the soot.
"I had no idea the colors would come out so bright. The yellows and greens were really brilliant," Uhl said.
Next comes touch-up painting in the areas where the paint has flaked off, she said.
Uhl said she became drawn into historical architecture.
"If the walls could speak they would give us a picture of the past. I love being around art. It is inspiring," she said.
"It is fun to connect with the community. I like working in churches and theaters — the public buildings where people congregate," she said.
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