June 22, 2018
CONTACT: Manda Costoulas
Marketing Director
Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre
770.293.0080 x301
(Marietta, GA) (Friday, June 15, 2018) - A portrait of Earl and Rachel Smith will be revealed to close friends and relatives of the Smith family at the Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre on Saturday, June 23 at 6:45PM. The oil painting was commissioned by The Strand to honor the couple and was created by artist Audrey Menefee with direction from the family. General Manager of The Strand, Andy Gaines, will give remarks at the unveiling along with daughter of Earl and Rachel Smith, Debbie Abernathy. The commission of the painting was donated by RobertKent Galleries of Marietta, run by husband and wife team Robert and Holly Tuchman.
"We were honored to be part of a piece of history at The Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre," said Holly Tuchman. "Having known the beautiful soul and gift to our community Rachel was, we believe Audrey captured her beauty and her heart along with Earl's smile and presence."
Earl and Rachel Smith were the champions of the Save The Strand effort of the early 2000s, leading the charge in the Friends of The Strand renovation. The Smiths were and are instrumental in making the dream of The Strand as it is known today a reality. The theatre is named in their honor.
On October 17th 2017, Earl Smith announced their donation of $500,000 towards the Capital Campaign. In this announcement, he challenged the community to step up and help retire the construction loan from 2008.
The Strand commissioned artist Audrey Menefee for a portrait of Earl and Rachel Smith to honor their steadfast and invaluable commitment to The Strand and to the arts in Marietta and Cobb County. The portrait will be displayed in the mezzanine overlooking the lobby of the historic theatre.
ABOUT THE ARTIST Audrey Menefee is a local artist who specializes in oil paintings and commissioned works. Her work can be found at www.audreymenefee.com.
ABOUT ROBERTKENT GALLERIES Robert Tuchman started RobertKent Galleries in 2010 and began traveling the southeast providing a one of kind experience for top interior designers and their clients. He has worked with several hundred designers bringing the art into homes and businesses, working with them to find the perfect experience and artwork for their clients. He and his wife, Holly, opened a fine arts gallery and custom frame shop on the Historic Square in Marietta at 85 Church Street in June 2017. With their array of artists, there are works of art for every taste from contemporary to traditional as well as jewelry, pottery, wood pieces, sculptures and glass.
ABOUT THE STRAND The historic Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre is a multi-use performing arts and events facility. The theatre is governed by the Friends of The Strand, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and depends on the financial support of private and corporate donors. It is The Strand’s mission to serve the community with cultural entertainment for a diverse audience and to promote economic health in the City of Marietta and Cobb County. For more information and tickets, visit www.earlsmithstrand.org or the box office at 770-293-0080 or 117 North Park Square, Marietta, 30060. Box office hours are from 11AM-6PM, Monday through Friday, and 9AM-12PM on Saturdays. The box office opens two hours before showtime.