SUBMITTED BY MIKE TRESCOTT
After reading the recent article on PrairieMod about David Rago's choices for Arts & Crafts collections worth visiting, I started thinking about places close to me that I might explore on an upcoming trip. I often look for "side trips" I can make while I'm traveling to see amazing homes, museums, and collections. All of the collections Rago mentions are great choices; however, I’m eager to find additional places and things to see close by my home town.
I grew up in Virginia, and I realize that many people don't necessarily think of this part of the country as having a lot to offer Arts & Crafts enthusiasts – most would associate it with its Colonial history in Williamsburg and Jamestown – however, there are actually many exciting places to go and things to see. A perhaps little-known wonder is the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond which features an excellent collection of Charles Rennie Macintosh, Stickley, and Frank Lloyd Wright, just to name a few, along with a rather impressive Fabergé Egg collection. For modern lovers they have an extensive collection of Contemporary American art, not to mention, the building is a marvel all by itself. One of my favorite details – that often gets overlooked – is the entrance and service gates. Designed by an amazing sculptor by the name of Albert Paley, this impressive entrance should not be missed. The museum is currently being expanded, so once that’s complete it will have even more to offer.
Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden - Washington D.C.
A short drive south to Petersburg leads you to Blandford Church and an amazing collection of 15 Tiffany stained glass windows. Or, if you choose, drive north to Washington D.C. and visit the historic Smithsonian, taking the time to enjoy both the popular highlights and the smaller galleries. (I find them to be more enjoyable, as they’re often less crowded). A personal favorite of mine is the Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden. If you happen to visit during the winter, before checking out what's in the gallery, I suggest grabbing a cup of hot chocolate from the vendor in the garden and enjoy being outside amongst an amazing collection of modern sculpture. I was lucky once to have the garden to myself during a light snow shower making it a magical and memorable experience. And just outside of Washington D.C. on a beautiful site in Alexandria – moved from its original location in Falls Church – you'll find Frank Lloyd Wright's Pope-Leighey House…a great example of one of his Usonian homes.
FLW's Pope-Leighy House - Alexandria, Virginia
If you head east, you can visit the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk which has a world class glass collection including many lamps, windows, and other decorative pieces by Louis Comfort Tiffany. They often have exhibitions featuring such contemporary glass artists as Dale Chihuly and William Morris. And while you’re there, if you're looking to buy a vacation home and have a few million dollars to spare, make an offer on Frank Lloyd Wright’s Andrew B. & Maude Cooke House in Virginia Beach. Many of the locals and visitors don't even know about this hidden gem tucked away just blocks from the ocean-front. The way that Wright designed this hemicycle house into the land, makes it impossible to see from the street (I grew up in this area and I didn't learn this house existed until I was in college). Unfortunately this is a private home and not open to the public except for on rare occasions; however, I did have the opportunity to walk through this amazing house a couple of years ago when they opened it for one day during VA Garden Week. The setting of this home along the water lets light cascade beautifully through the house's windows.
Grove Park Inn - Asheville, North Carolina
I suggest trying to plan a trip for February when you can drive down to North Carolina for the Arts & Crafts Conference at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville. There you'll see vendors from across the nation showing and selling amazing Arts & Crafts pieces. You can also experience the Rago Auctions as well as catch some amazing lectures on various topics regarding the Arts & Crafts movement.
If you’d like to plan a trip to Virginia, or you’re interesting in learning more about the artists I mentioned, take a look at the following Web sites below. pm
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Albert Paley web site
Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden
Chrysler Museum of Art
Dale Chihuly
William Morris web site
Pope-Leighy House
Arts & Crafts Conference at the Grove Park Inn
Images copyright Wikipedia, Pope-Leighy House & the Grove Park Inn
Mike Trescott works for Stickley Furniture in Charlotte, North Carolina and has been in the furniture industry for over 14 years. He earned a degree in Art History specializing in Modern Art from Virgina Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virgina. He can be reached via email at mtrescott@stickley.com.
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