On Monday, April 9, 2007 Gerry Newman of Gerald Newman Graphic Design was awarded the ART/NY DeWitt Stern Local Hero Award for his contributions to The Gallery Players. (Photo below.)
For 4 seasons, Newman has created gorgeous full-color brochures for The Gallery Players. In addition to this, he has designed dozens of graphics for show postcards for The Gallery Players’ productions - 8 every year for many years. Normally a not-for-profit theater of The Gallery Players’ size and financial means wouldn’t have the option to have such professional, effective show artwork and printed materials, but Gerry Newman has always generously only charged a nominal fee, mostly to cover his expenses.
The pay-off for the theater has been big: subscriptions and ticket sales have increased as a result of the eye-catching brochures and postcards, and the beautiful print pieces are used throughout the year in press kits, industry packets, and fundraising appeals. His latest contribution to The Gallery Players is a beautiful invitation for our 40th Anniversary Gala Fundraiser.
Gerry’s background as a set designer and theatrical Renaissance man certainly has contributed to his understanding of what a busy theater’s needs are - how urgently ticket sales are needed and how limited the budget is. It also has helped him understand The Gallery Players Board’s busy schedule - and he has patiently and gracefully put up with requests for revisions, last minute text changes, and unreasonable deadlines!
The Gallery Players wishes to thank Gerry Newman for his years of generosity and quality design work by nominating him for the DeWitt-Stern Local Hero Awards. Congratulations, Gerry!
Gerry Newman (center) with his award certificate with The Gallery Players’ Heather Siobhan Curran and Matt Schicker at the DeWitt Stern Local Heroes Award presentation at The New Victory Theatre.
