East Aurora Advertiser

Local Citizens Gift Philanthropist with a Painting of the Aurora Theatre



The new painting hanging on the wall of West Falls philanthropist Scott Bieler’s office is as notable for the way it got there as it is for its subject. 

East Aurora residents Karen and Wilson Curry commissioned artist Bernice Smith to paint this acrylic on canvas as a gift to theatre owner Scott Bieler.
Photo by Marty Wangelin

The story behind the painting begins with the Boys of the ‘60s, all of them in their 70s now, who have taken to meeting again at the Iron Kettle Landmark Restaurant on Olean Road for breakfast. They are, mostly, alumni from the original East Aurora High School on Main Street, having graduated long before secondary education moved onto the top of the hill on Center Street. One of the cast members is Wilson Curry, a longtime townie, a member of the Greater East Aurora Music Hall of Fame and a fellow with a curious eye for artwork and collectibles. Recently, a painting by West Seneca artist Bernice Smith caught his eye at the Kettle. The small acrylic on canvas painting depicted a classic movie theater in Traverse City, Michigan; a resort town with a population similar to ours. 

“It had a folky, realistic touch to it; she captured the feeling of a small-town movie house,” Curry said. “I immediately thought of our theater in Hometown, USA, and the restoration undertaken by Scott Bieler.” 

Bieler purchased the theater from Lynn and Paul Kinsella a year ago to assure its continued position as a “gem of the East Aurora community,” as he said at the time. Beiler has made several improvements to the century-old building, including the recent addition of large reclining chairs in the back half of the seating area.

www.eastaurorany.com/articles/community-welcomes-scott-bieler-as-new-owner-of-the-aurora-theatre/

Curry noted the name of the artist and tracked her down. “I asked her if she would consider a commission to paint our theater. I fully intended to give the finished product to Scott Bieler and a token of appreciation from my wife Karen and me for everything he’s done for East Aurora. Especially his purchase of the Aurora Theatre. We considered several film titles to have on the marquee, but, ultimately, It’s a Wonderful Life seemed like the natural choice.”

A few weeks ago, artist Smith completed the painting and Wilson and Karen Curry arranged to present it to Bieler. “I was taken completely by surprise,” said Bieler. “I had no idea. I was really touched by their gesture. It hangs in my office now, and I see it every day when I walk in.”

Aurora Theatre owner Scott Beiler holds a painting Wilson Curry, second from the right, and Karen Curry, far right, commissioned as a gift for Beiler in recognition of his many philanthropic efforts on behalf of the community. At the left is theatre manager Julia Foit.
Photo by Marty Wangelin

“It’s remarkable what Scott has given us,” Curry said. “The old mill in West Falls, which Scott has rehabbed, looks better than it did when it was built a century ago. Then there’s everything he’s done for the West Falls Fire Company with their new ambulance and the [newly opened] Scott Bieler Rural Outreach Center. The renovated theater is beautiful.”

Bieler’s interest in the arts goes beyond the Aurora Theatre. He recently sponsored five performances of People, Places and Things, a play about addiction and substance abuse at Shea’s 710 Theatre in Buffalo, offering free tickets to anyone who wanted them. 

“I reached out to agencies that deal with addiction and substance abuse in hopes they would get their clients to the theater to see this important play at no cost,” said Bieler. 

Bieler said he was so impressed by the painting that the Currys commissioned that he has plans to commission Smith to do another to hang in the lobby of the Aurora Theatre.

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