DWELLING & DESIGN HELPING WITH AVALON THEATRE RENOVATIONS PROJECT

PRESS RELEASE SEPTEMBER 12, 2018

Dwelling & Design is pleased to announce their involvement in the Avalon Foundation’s 2018 Critical Renovations Project. The local business, co-owned by interior designers Don Wooters and Fiona Weeks, has been hired to provide interior design recommendations and to oversee new work on the interior spaces of the historic Avalon Theatre.

“The Avalon Theatre Critical Renovations project includes multiple architectural, engineering and design teams. Don Wooters of Dwelling & Design was brought in by the Foundation to ensure that the finished product was consistent across project elements and resulted in a significant design improvement that both respects and enhances the building’s historically important art deco aesthetic,” says Al Bond, President and CEO of The Avalon Foundation.

New interior design plans for the venue have it returning to its appearance circa-1930’s, when it was a Vaudeville Theatre. “Many of the art deco elements in the Theatre remain from that era, while others have been lost over the years,” states Don Wooters. “We’ve carefully researched old photographs of the interior from the Talbot County Library’s Maryland Room historical archives. There is strong emphasis being placed on keeping everything as authentic and cohesive as possible, all of which has gone before the Maryland Historical Commission and received final approval,” he adds.

Fresh decorative painting shall see many of the recognizable elements brightened up and adorning a few new areas within the Theatre as well. The artisans involved will not only refurnish the existing art deco finishes but also apply protective coatings to preserve them for years to come. The overall scope of improvements includes: Theatre stage, seating, balconies, lobby, hallways, downstairs bathrooms and second floor facilities.

“We are excited to participate in this update, and know that it will create a positive experience for the audience…and all who enjoy use of this valued community asset,” says Wooters.

Thanks to WBOC-TV for following The Historic Avalon Theatre renovations. We’re honored to be a part of this project. View the TV news article with Avalon Foundation President Al Bond and in-store interview of Dwelling & Design owner/designer Don Wooters.

Work has been underway since August, following the Avalon Foundation’s 14^th annual Plein Air Festival. The project is expected to be completed by Mid 2019. For more project information, visit www.dwellinganddesign.com and www.avalonfoundation.org.

Dwelling & Design recently won 2018 Best Furniture Store and Best Interior Design Services by What’s Up Magazine Eastern Shore. In 2017, they were named Small Business of the Year by the Talbot County Chamber of Commerce.

Avalon Theatre photograph by H. Robins Hollyday, from the collection of the Talbot Historical Society. Special thanks to the Maryland Room at the Talbot County Public Library.