My memories of Harold Tseklenis

Not since John Hume, has one individual had such a significant impact on the arts in Downey. That  gentleman was Harold Tseklenis, who passed away on December 29. 

From the birth of the public non- profit arts movement across America, and then for the next six decades he unceasingly championed public access to the arts in Downey. He was knowledgeable about the arts, and he knew successful models that other cities were implementing. 

He devoted himself to civic causes too. But it was his leadership, vision, passion, for the arts, and art organizations that is imprinted forever on this city. The Downey Symphony, Downey Museum of Art, Downey Civic Theatre, Downey Arts Coalition, Arts In Public Places, are just a few. 

He dreamed of a citizen’s Downey Arts Commission. An intimate public access theatre for contemporary plays. Converting the city-owned Avenue Theatre into an independent and foreign film theatre. An art’s cafe as a community hub. And more. To Harold, the possibilities were endless. 

I last met him at a physical therapy session. He was very tired. But his eyes lit up when he saw me. His impression was that he had been labeled him anti-city by the forces that be. Nothing could be further from the truth. But Harold was known to speak out. He didn’t flinch. He took on local and state bureaucrats. And he challenged anyone who said it couldn’t be done. In the melodrama of local politics it’s easy to get labeled. 

But that day, as we talked about the future of the arts in Downey, there was a twinkle in his eyes. That is the Harold Tseklenis that will be in my heart forever.