Grand Lake Theatre

About the Puzzle

We love the historic take on the Grand Lake Theatre in Larry Hausen's image because of the long history of this beloved local landmark. It's a perfect gift or souvenir for anyone who loves Oakland. This 500-piece puzzle is 16x20 inches and random cut.

About the Artist

Larry Hausen is an Oakland-born and Alameda-raised illustrator and graphic designer. After graduating from California College of the Arts, Larry opened Hausen Design in an office within the Claremont Hotel In Berkeley. He later took an in-house position with the Golden State Warriors to set up their first Creative Services Department and created the Warriors logo introduced in the late ’90s. Larry was instrumental in many aesthetic decisions related to the Oakland Arena renovation, Downtown Practice facility, court, and uniform design.

Under the company name, RuffHaus Design Studio, Larry now has a particular focus on award-winning posters for festivals, fairs, and special events throughout California. For 17 years, he has created the master poster design for the Mountain Mandarin Festival. Larry resides in Cool, a small town in the California foothills where he works from his home and studio. Other work can be found on his website and Instagram.

About the Image

Larry’s passion for hometown theaters began when he and his brothers would walk the mile and a half from their home to the Alameda Theatre. Soon after learning to drive, Larry discovered the historic Grand Lake Theatre. The Vintage California Theatre series is one of many themes Larry has explored. Other illustration studies include California Travel, California Surf and Highway 49.

About the Grand Lake Theatre

The Grand Lake Theater is a beloved historic building in the heart of Oakland, originally opened as a vaudeville theatre and silent movie house in 1926. The rooftop sign measures 72x52ft and consists of 2,800 lamps. The main auditorium features a Mighty Wurlitzer organ.

Allen Michaan, the owner of Renaissance Rialto, Inc. purchased the ground lease in 1980 and began restoring, upgrading, and expanding the theater. The Grand Lake Theater has won “Best Place to See a Movie” most years in East Bay Express Readers’ Polls and is appreciated for Anti-war and liberal political messages posted on the marquee.