El Rey Theater 

Here we see Dan Graziano's oil on canvas painting of the El Rey Theater. It's a scene that evokes a specific time and place. Born in 1953, Graziano captures the light and shadows of a day at the theater, referencing the cultural landscapes of mid-century America. Movie theaters like the El Rey were often architectural gems, built in distinctive styles that spoke to the aspirations and values of the communities they served. The painting develops alternative narratives by documenting a familiar public space. The architectural facade becomes a vehicle for exploring themes of community, memory, and cultural identity. The bright, clear colors evoke the optimism of mid-century design, while the strong shadows hint at the passage of time and the stories embedded in the theater's walls. Graziano’s painting serves as both a historical document and a personal reflection, inviting viewers to contemplate the intersection of public and private experience.