CREEDE – Hoping to “immortalize the spirit of this cherished storyteller,” Creede native and artist Hanna Waters captured the spirit of 50-year Creede Repertory Theatre (CRT) veteran Christy Brandt in a painting of her at a young age. That portrait was chosen as the 59th season poster for CRT as revealed Saturday night at the Main Stage Theatre.
Those words from Hanna were quoted by her mother, longtime Creede framer and gallery owner Chere Waters who introduced the painting in her daughter’s absence. Even though the painting was done more than 10 years ago in honor of Brandt’s 40 years at CRT, it was selected this year in tribute to her 50 years at the theatre.
Appropriately titled, “The Queen," Hanna was quoted as saying the painting “speaks to the enduring legacy of Christy Brandt herself and Creede Repertory Theatre as whole.”
While announcing the unveiling, Interim Artistic Director Kate Berry said Hanna “is a writer, artist, philosopher and daydreamer.” She was born and raised in Creede, later receiving her BA in studio art from Colorado College and studied classical drawing at Charles Cecil Atelier in Florence, Italy, and Atelier Lack in Minneapolis, Minn.
Waters became involved in CRT at a young age and spent a few seasons in the professional company. She said Christy and her husband Brownie, longtime CRT photographer who retired last year, “were staples in my life,” while growing up. The reference photo for the painting and resulting print was taken by Brownie.
“I loved the sepia tones and dreamy look in Christy’s eyes,” Waters wrote. “I wanted to capture a particular moment in time.”
A limited number of prints of Waters’ painting are available for sale at both CRT stages.
