Join in our Silver Anniversary Improvements Project
In celebration of our 25th Anniversary, IFCC is pleased to announce our Silver Anniversary Improvements Project!
The James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation has challenged our supporters to raise $10,000 toward our Silver Anniversary Improvements Project. They will match it dollar for dollar.
Add to your gift this year and help us reach this goal. Simply designate on your gift form “extra donation for Miller match”. Together we can transform the face of IFCC, please consider making your gift by June 30, 2008 to support this important project. With a gift of $1,000 or more, you are invited into the private studio of the artist for a special behind the scenes peek at Mike Suri at work.
Phase One – New Marquee – Unveiling August 2008
Artist Mike Suri approached the design of IFCC‘s new marquee from three vantage points: architectural, representational and functional. His goal was to create a functional structure to contain and support the proposed message center sign, while creating an ornament to the building that would not only honor its historic nature and formal exterior, but also represent the mission and activities of IFCC.
The buildings rectilinear brick facade lends itself easily to a sculptural element. The building was built in 1910, the height of the Art Nouveau movement which is characterized by highly stylized, flowing curvilinear designs often incorporating floral and other plant inspired motifs. Art Nouveau design is dynamic, undulating and flowing, with curved ‘whiplash’ lines in syncopated rhythm. Mike has taken this organic design style from relating to plant forms to representing human creative and cultural expression. The shapes and movements of the metal are designed to be very visual, theatrical and celebratory.
Mike’s goal is to take the sensibilities of this historic and time-tested style and merge it with the exuberant creativity IFCC works to bring to the community. This ornamental and sculptural bracket acts as a visual landmark, catching the passerby’s eye, inspiring curiosity about what happens in this 100 year old building.
Mike’s work to combine elements that both compliment the firehouse, a historic piece of Portland architectural history, and to represent the Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center’s mission and goals will be unveiled in Spring 2008.
Phase Two – Sound proofing – Installed by September 1, 2008
To better serve our partners and audiences, we are also giving the theater a bit of an upgrade! By adding acoustical baffling and a sound eliminating door, we’ll ensure those silent important moments in performances stay that way. In addition, the new door will be double-wide, allowing users to build sets offsite.
