COLDWATER (WTVB) - As the restoration of the front of the Tibbits Opera House progresses, one of the distinct details of the building has lent itself to a creative outlet and built community awareness of the project. The bust of Shakespeare which will adorn the niche near the top of the building has been traveling Branch Countyfor photo opportunities at area businesses, local events and in various unique settings. The photos are being posted on Facebook by the various businesses and Tibbits has created a photo album called “Adventures of Shakespeare.” 

According to Christine Delaney, Tibbits executive director, it started out with a picture of Shakespeare on stage with Charles Burr, Tibbits artistic director.  Burr made a donation specifically to fund the statue as part of the theatre’s “down to the details” fundraising campaign. Delaney introduced Shakespeare to the Coldwater City Council at its July 23rd meeting with additional showings everywhere from the library to a dairy farm. Additional photos can be seen at www.facebook.com/tibbitsoperahouse. Shakespeare will receive a final coat of paint then be installed permanently next week before the scaffold begins to come down.