Doing Good

Reprinted from Main Line Today Magazine – August 2003



Radnor artist and ad man George Rothacker loves old theaters, so he worries about their futures. “They are a diminishing resource for bringing parents and children together, as well as the community in general,” he says. In order to call attention to such overlooked gems, he has created a calendar with 12 nostalgic paintings of such places in their hey days, including the Anthony Wayne in Wayne, the Tower Theater in Upper Darby and the Media Theatre, in order to acquaint people with the need to preserve them. Rothacker joined a committee to save the Media Theatre in 1991, then decided to make a painting of the building. He made prints for sale, then donated half the proceeds to the committee. “The sales created awareness, moreso than raising money for refurbishing,” Rothacker says. And it inspired him to expand his project. Rothacker’s work has taken him as far as Indiana, Pennsylvania, where he recently made a painting of the Indiana Theater to help raise money for the Jimmy Stewart Museum.

Through painting the theaters, Rothacker believes he salvages pieces of local history. “We must sustain themes and values for today and create a legacy for our children and grandchildren.” Calendars will sell for $15.95. Proceeds may help establish an arts facility in Chester and benefit various local charities.—H.C.

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