An Afternoon of Oscar-Nominated Short Films Drew Hundreds to The Catlow

The Barrington Cultural Commission partnered with The Catlow Theatre to present an afternoon of Oscar-nominated short films on Feb. 23.

The event attracted 540 people of all ages from Barrington and surrounding communities, said Peg Blanchard, director of Economic and Community Development for the Village of Barrington.

Audience members enjoyed 10 films, five animated and five short films.

"Jack Schaefer brought the idea forward to the Barrington Cultural Commission in December," Blanchard said. "He met with Tim O'Connor, the owner of The Catlow. And it took off from there."

The proceeds from the $10 tickets for the event will be used to support the Barrington Cultural Commission and the Catlow.

"it was a huge success!" Blanchard said. "We were very pleased with the turnout."

Village President Karen Darch praised the event during the Feb. 26 village board meeting. "It was one of those fun downtown events where people attended restaurants and other venues in the village afterwards and that is the kind of thing we like to see happen," Darch said during the meeting.

She praised Jack Schaefer for his efforts to spearhead the event.

"He really worked to follow it through," Darch said.

She also gave credit to the entire Barrington Cultural Commission, and to Dee Dee Gallagher Johnson and Dave Nelson, co-chairpersons; Peg Blanchard; Anne Garrette; and Jennifer Baruth, among others.

"Thank you to The Catlow for being so welcoming," Darch added. 

The Barrington Cultural Commission is comprised of 21 members who coordinate and promote cultural activities throughout the Village. Visit their Facebook page for photos of recent events.