2009-2010 HISTORIC STENCIL REPLICATION
Photos discovered in 2002 detail original stenciling in many areas of the auditorium. Working from those photos, Jeff Greene of EverGreene Painting uncovered some of the original stencils beneath several layers of paint. The SAF quickly decided that the replication of this stenciling was an essential component of the restoration of the Sheridan Opera House.
According to Jeff Greene, the original decorative painting of the Sheridan Opera House is significant because it is a rare example of the transitional period between the Art Nouveau style of the late 1800s and the Craftsman style of the 1920s. The Sheridan Opera House represents a “missing link” along the continuum of architectural styles in the United States.
Many opera houses in the Rocky Mountain region during the early 20th century were decorated in a classical, more traditional style, while the Opera House’s bold stenciling is an edgier, more innovative kind of decoration for that time period.
After many years of research, grant writing and fundraising, the SAF has finally made the historical stencil replication a reality. In fall of 2009, Atmosphere Custom Painting of Buena Vista, CO, gave a bid on the project that could not be ignored. Originally quoted at $ 91,000, ACP quoted a much more reasonable $30,000, yet under the condition that the project be completed in October of the same year. Although hard economic times in 2009 made it seem difficult to pursue this project, this was a rare window of opportunity that the SAF felt could not be ignored.
With generous contributions from many Telluride locals, Joe and Diane Steinberg and the San Miguel County; Phase I of the stencil replication was completed in October 2009. The final Phase II, stenciling of the side and back walls of the main floor as well as the back wall of the balcony, was completed in April 2010.