Features

Welcome to the Features Section of PrairieMod!

Many times we'd like to dig deeper into particular PrairieMod topics than what a regular daily blog post allows us. So, we created this special section to showcase more in-depth stories on design, products, people, places, ideas and events that promote a principle-based modern lifestyle.

We'll regularly be exploring a range of topics that will fall under 6 different feature categories: Build, Think, Make, Connect, Live and Recall. To find out more about what these categories cover, read our Submissions page.

We're also looking to feature your own stories! If you've got a PrairieMod-related topic or idea that you'd like to share, please let us know. Get all the details about submitting a feature here.

BUILD :: Russell Mahoney's Midway.Furniture Project

A TALIESIN APPRENTICE'S CHALLENGE OF DESIGNING WITHIN WRIGHT'S MIDWAY BARN

On the face of it, proposing to construct something completely new inside a historically important Frank Lloyd Wright-designed building seems fraught with potential headaches. Yet, Russell Mahoney's idea to build his student shelter inside the Midway Farm Complex at Taliesin is bringing new-found interest and much-needed restoration to this often overlooked building at Wright's Wisconsin estate.

RECALL :: Rare WPA-Era Zoo Guide Cover Artist Uncovered

THE STORY OF EDWARD KRIMSTON'S AWARD WINNING MODERNE MONKEY ILLUSTRATION

The internet is a pretty wonderful place. Months after I posted in August 2011 about finding a rare copy of the very first guide book published in 1936 for the newly-built Chicago Zoological Park in Brookfield, IL, I received an email from Leslie Magidsohn, the daughter of the cover's artist, Edward Krimston.

CONNECT :: Frank Lloyd Wright's Beth Sholom Synagogue

A PHOTOGRAPHIC VIRTUAL TOUR OF FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT'S LUMINOUS SACRED SPACE

Of all the sacred spaces designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Beth Sholom Synagogue in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania can be considered as his most expressive buildings for worship. Envisioned by Wright as a "luminous Mount Sinai," the synagogue is an extremely complex composition of structure, integral ornament and materials that are masterfully woven to serve both a specific function and embody symbolic elements of the Jewish faith.

Like most Wright designs, it takes actually moving through the space of the building to fully experience the majesty and mystery of Beth Sholom. However, for those that have not yet visited, we are lucky to have a series of photographs taken at the 2011 Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy Annual Conference by author and journalist, Mark Hertzberg, to help give PrairieMod readers a sense of how special this building truly is. Experience this photo tour after the jump...

CONNECT :: Frank Lloyd Wright And The East Coast

A PHOTOGRAPHIC VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE 2011 FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT BUILDING CONSERVANCY CONFERENCE

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was the center of recent architectural activity, as the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy recently held their annual conference and building tours in "The City of Brotherly Love". The focus of the September 21-25, 2011 event was on the area's rich architectural heritage, including several important contributions by Frank Lloyd Wright, I.M. Pei, Louis Kahn, Wharton Esherick, and more. If you were not able to make the trip but still want to see what this area of the East Coast has to offer, then PrairieMod has the hook-up for you! PrairieMod pal, John Clouse, was kind enough to provide a plethora of his fantastic photographs of the amazing sites from his trip. Take the photographic virtual tour after the jump...

CONNECT :: Out And About Wright: Destination Detroit

A PHOTOGRAPHIC VIRTUAL TOUR OF DETROIT'S WRIGHT ARCHITECTURE

The Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy recently motored to the "Motor City" as part of their Out and About Wright architectural travel program. The focus of the August 13, 2011 excursion was the Detroit, Michigan area's three stunning Frank Lloyd Wright Usonain residences. If you were not able to make the trip but still want to see what Detroit has to offer architecturally, then PrairieMod has the hook-up for you! PrairieMod pal, Paul Ringstrom, was generous enough to provide some of his great photographs of the Wright architecture he saw on the visit. Take the photographic virtual tour after the jump...

CONNECT :: Out And About Wright: Cleveland And Northeast Ohio

A PHOTOGRAPHIC VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE AREA'S SIGNIFICANT ARCHITECTURE

The Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy recently hosted an exciting trip to Cleveland and Northeast Ohio as part of their Out and About Wright architectural travel program. The focus of the April 9, 2011 excursion was on the area's Frank Lloyd Wright Usonain residences and other Mid-Century Modern buildings. If you were not able to make the trip but still want to see what this region of Ohio has to offer architecturally, then PrairieMod has the hook-up for you! PrairieMod pal, John Clouse, was kind enough to provide some of his fantastic photographs of the architectural gems he saw on his trip. Take the photographic virtual tour after the jump...

MAKE :: The Wonderful Art Glass World Of Larry Zgoda

AN INTERVIEW WITH STAINED GLASS MASTER CRAFTSMAN LARRY ZGODA

 

No one should be surprised that Larry Zgoda is a man who is rarely bored. You only have to look at the stunning variety and innovation in this master craftsman's work to see that he constantly challenges his abilities with a boundless creative spirit and a wide array of inspirations. For over 30 years, Larry has produced unique, original art glass windows, doors, screens, clerestories, skylights and walls in a variety of architectural environments. He also worked with and formed an amazing friendship with Edgar Miller, Modernism's Renaissance Man. We interviewed Larry to find out more about his work, his experiences and what fuels this creative dynamo.

THINK :: Fountain Of The Pioneers Follow-Up

UPDATED INFORMATION ABOUT THE FATE OF KALAMAZOO'S "FOUNTAIN OF THE PIONEERS"

 

Our previous feature article on Alfonso Iannelli's "Fountain of the Pioneers" touched on the emotionally-charged subject of art, history and our country's mistreatment of Native American's. While covering several aspects of the controversy surrounding the public sculpture, we were left with more questions than answers about the fountain's future. Luckily, David S. Brose, Chair of the Fountain of the Pioneers Study Committee for the Kalamazoo Historic Preservation Commission, was kind enough to send a detailed letter describing the misunderstandings and hopeful future for this important piece of art.

THINK :: Fountain Of The Pioneers: The Fuss, The Facts And Its Future

A LOOK AT THE COMPLEX ISSUES SURROUNDING ART THAT MAKES US UNCOMFORTABLE

 

Kalamazoo, Michigan's Bronson Park seems like an unlikely location for a battle over political correctness to erupt. However, a 1940 fountain depicting white pioneers and Native Americans in the park has been the target of activists' PC ire, with suggestions raised that it should be completely removed. But this fountain also happens to be a work of significant sculptural art by none other than Alfonso Iannelli, whose Park Ridge, IL home and studio's preservation has currently been in the spotlight. Supporters say the fountain's meaning has been misunderstood and it should be preserved as an important extant sculpture from Iannelli's Studio. Does artistic significance trump political correctness? Is this a case of insensitivity or misinterpretation?

MAKE :: ODO's Very Prairie Arrowroot Collection

AN INTERVIEW WITH JOHN MOES OF ORGANIC DESIGN OPERATIVES

 

The Organic Design Operatives (ODO) are on a mission. This self-described quest is "to help reconnect people with nature in an otherwise tech-centric world. Our plan: study nature, be inspired by nature and create work and goods that celebrate and respect the wonder of nature." What better way to meld the wonders of the natural world with people's everyday lives than through home furnishings. ODO has gotten off to a fantastic start with the introduction of the Arrowroot Collection, their line of Prairie School-inspired home décor. We interviewed John Moes, President and Creative Director at ODO, to find out more about the company, the collection and their principled vision.