Christmas at The GRAND Theatre and Celebrating Giving
There is something about a Christmas Tree that extends a certain magic to a room when you enter. It can be a symbol of our memories! Years gone by us already. Regardless of who we are, what we celebrate or believe in… A decorated tree can also bring us back to the present moment. Capturing our gaze and inspire wonder of everything to come in the New Year. It gives us space, permission even, to plot out our dreams.
The GRAND itself has been through many transformations over the years. A beautiful building that has been standing since 1912. Designed by Irish Architect – L.R. Wardrop. Despite some of our original charm being stripped away, some hints of the past remain. Evidence of eras I never knew but have great nostalgia for exist throughout The Grand and The Lougheed building. Have you ever walked through our lobby? Blending contemporary elements with historic design features can certainly start a conversation. Depending on who you are talking to! We are still here, surviving several demolition and site redevelopment plans. I think it was about time for a Christmas Tree.
Ambassadors for The GRAND were feeling the same way! Leaning into the joy, the inclusivity and community has been a huge staple for The Grand team this past year. Becoming those things – joy, inclusive, a part of the community has been key to our recovery as a non-profit arts organization. Giving this place a heart-beat, warmth and possibility are always at the forefront of our minds. It means we can sustain a special place for Calgarians for years to come. This what our Grand Ambassadors help us accomplish.
Having fellow people within our community be willing to help us out, meant a lot. Silkplant Warehouse was generous enough to donate a tree, and having the concept and design ideas, spearheaded by Monique Shaw made it all real, accompanied by fellow designer, Maria Serpico.
The morning the tree was being set up in front of the Flanagan doors, I heard a lot of laughter, there was glitter! There were also boxes, kindly donated by Maple Leaf Storage, to be filled with donated food for our chosen charity: The Veterans Association Food Bank. This is a cause that means a lot The Grand CEO, Tony McGrath, as a veteran himself and his own son currently aiding our country. What’s a tree without some gifts for those that need it!
The concept of bringing people together to reach a goal is not a new one, but it can get lost in today’s age of email land, cellphones, and social media. We are so busy being individuals, we forget how good it feels to come together, forget about ourselves and remember Us. My wish is for more of this – collaboration, community, art, design, fun, and flow. I look at our tree now as we enter January 2020 and I see evidence of amazing growth, anticipation for what is next and that is refreshing. The GRAND is so grateful for that.
Thank you to all involved in helping make this possible:
-Monique Shaw – Homes Sold Beautifully
-Maria Serpico
-Val at the Silk Plant Warehouse
-Pamela at Maple Leaf Storage
-Veterans Association Food Bank
Jewel Winkler,
Audience & Client Relations
The Grand Theatre