New mural celebrates the magic of theater at Civic Theatre

The Allentown Arts Commission, Materials Conservation and Civic Theatre of Allentown recently held a dedication ceremony for a new gateway mural titled “Follow the Stars” at Civic Theatre’s Theater 514 at 514 N. 19th Street, Allentown.

“Follow the Stars” was created by Lehigh Valley artist Rosemary Geseck and celebrates the magic of the theater. Geseck was chosen through a regional call to artists, where the Allentown Arts Commission, City staff, Civic Theatre, and the community worked collaboratively to select the artist. Geseck’s design features Art Deco elements signature to Civic Theatre, and beloved characters and iconic elements from theatrical productions. Within the mural viewers will find familiar imagery as well as some that may be new or less familiar. The artist’s hope is that this theatrical journey will spark happy memories of productions the viewer has seen, and hopefully encourage a curiosity about those productions that are less familiar. In addition to being a theater buff, Geseck is a long-time instructor at the Baum School of Art, and an Instructor for Art Residencies with the Allentown School District. She created many works of art in Allentown and the Lehigh Valley.

“This mural is just one of many works of public art being created by groups throughout the city,” says Jane Heft, Arts Commission Chair, “The goal is to enhance the vibrancy of the city while creating meaningful dialogue and connections between community members and the spaces we inhabit.”