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The 2006 Phoebus Days poster features the American Theatre and is the work of local artist Joanne Howard. A self-taught artist who provides instruction in oil painting and the Old Masters glazing technique, Ms. Howard's work has been on view at a wide range of exhibitions and shows. Ms. Howard's work - noted for her attention to detail - is currently being shown at Blue Skies Gallery, where she has exhibited for the past 15 years. Her winning entry is an oil on canvas rendition of a photograph taken in 1931 by Christopher E. Cheyne. The American Theatre, located on East Mellen Street in Phoebus, was built in 1908 as a vaudeville and high class motion picture house, and featured an ornate facade and twin towers with mythical figures. A.M. Johnson of Norfolk built the American Theatre to give the community of Phoebus a "clean, wholesome amusement theatre." The American Theatre was the first integrated theatre in Southeastern Virginia, originally seating 600 patrons on two levels. Of the four original theatres in Hampton, the American Theatre is the only one remaining and has been a community landmark for almost a century. Several times during its colorful history, the theatre changed hands and was known variously as the Lee Theatre, the Lee Adult Theatre and the New American Theatre. In 1997, the theatre was purchased by the Hampton Arts Foundation. After a $2.9 million renovation and expansion, the theatre reverted to its original name and reopened in June, 2000 with a a star-studded gala. Today, the American Theatre presents more than 50 world class attractions and events each season and has earned a well-deserved reputation as a principal arts venue in the Hampton Roads area. The poster will also be available at Phoebus Arts.
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