PrairieMod

Come Learn About Stickley

This May, Toms-Price Home Furnishings is giving an opportunity to those wishing to explore the roots of Mission style furniture. Mike Danial is a second generation, 32-year Stickley craftsman who intimately knows the ups-and-downs of the indigenous Mission furniture style, and the American company still producing it today. He serves as Stickley’s corporate historian and museum collection restoration expert. The Stickley story is one of commitment to honest craftsmanship and laudable ideals.

The sturdy and practical furniture which came into being as a rebellion against the ornate Victorian style of the day, definitely resonates with home owners again, where simplicity and authenticity are sought. Not only the original designs of Gustav Stickley, Leopold Stickley, Harvey Ellis, Charles Limbert, the Roycrofters and others are still sold, but everything from a kitchen island to a niche for the plasma TV are available for today’s homes. Everyone is welcome to come and hear “The Stickley Story” firsthand. Those attending can bring photos of antique Mission pieces for free and informal appraisals by Mike Danial.

This talk is free of charge and refreshments will be served.

RSVP to either store by May 8, 2007....

Lincolnshire: 725 Milwaukee Ave., 847-478-1900
Thursday, May 10th, 7 P.M.

Wheaton: 303 East Front Street, 630-668-7878
Saturday, May 12th, 2 P.M.

Visit tomsprice.com for directions to the stores.

Image copyright Toms-Price/Stickley

PrairieMod Monday

For the last PrairieMod Monday post this month on the principle of "Think Natural,” we felt we would use a recent experience the PrairieMod Squad had as an example of how a special group of people enjoy this idea in their everyday lives.

Modular For The Mainstream?

One of our faithful readers sent us a link to an interesting article on modular building and the push towards making these buildings more mainstream. Even though there has been a rise in the interest among consumers for this type of building, it seems marketing and a perception of low-quality design is holding the industry in limbo. As stated in the article:

Devising more attractively designed products corresponds, for some manufacturers, with their move toward a build-to-order business model. “The industry has to figure out how to mass-produce and market customizable homes,” says the NMHC's Long. Grant Smereczynsky, CEO of Building Systems Network, which offers 450 unique designs and is one of Garnett's clients, calls customization “the future of this industry.” And Murray of HandCrafted Homes, whose sales rose 20 percent in 2006, says that the “big change” for his company in recent years has been “our willingness to meet buyers' demands through customization” in such areas as roof design and module width. “We want customers to tell us what they want to buy and we'll build it.”

Design flexibility is also becoming important to modular manufacturers that are venturing into multifamily construction, which many see as their best opportunity for growth. “As modular has gotten a foothold into urban redevelopment, oftentimes there needs to be an architect involved,” explains John Guequierre, president of Pleasant Street Homes, which has manufactured houses that sold from $40,000 to $10 million. “And as we develop the ability to get out of the one-story rectangle, we can get into just about anything.”

We wholeheartedly stand behind the notion of better design and the modular building concept (it saves a lot of time, money and most importantly--construction waste byproduct.) However, the article shows examples of what these builders are offering as modular designs and it does cause some concern. The homes pictured still resemble titanic land gobblers -- a modular McMansion is still a McMansion. We need to move past the "warehouse" mentality in our housing (traditionally built or otherwise) and think about living a principled lifestyle--especially "Less Becomes More."

Check out the article and let us know what you think! Plus, if anyone wants to share any links to builders who are designing/producing "PrairieMod-minded" modular buildings, let us know and we'll be happy to showcase them.

Photo copyright ebuild.com

Live Green Go Yellow

If you've seen the recent ads that General Motors has been running on TV, you are aware of the push they have been trying to make for their flexfuel, hybrid and fuel cell vehicles. You may also be familiar with the growing number of E85 locations across the US.

If not, GM wants you to join the ride.

Image copyright GM

Google Earth Meets Frank Lloyd Wright

The American Institute of Architecture and Google Earth has teamed up to provide new 3-D layers featuring America's favorite architecture. According to the official Google blog:

"Fly to America’s Favorite Architecture, a layer featuring the American public’s favorite architecture (as selected though a national poll announced earlier this year). View all 150 structures, including many with just created 3-D models of the buildings, ballparks, bridges, and memorials that characterize architecture in the eyes of Americans. And then explore the second layer, Blueprint for America. Blueprint is a community service effort funded by the AIA, in which AIA members donating their time and expertise are collaborating with community leaders and local citizens to enhance the quality of life in their community. You’ll be able to track the progress of these projects on Google Earth as they unfold over the next year and, we hope, become inspired to take action where you live."

The blog also features a link to a YouTube video which demonstrates the new feature in action (we couldn't help but notice it's being demonstrated on a Mac!)

My favorite? Well there are 8 Frank Lloyd Wright buildings on the list and they are all wonderful. Unfortunately, my favorite isn't on there and it's a travesty that the AIA doesn't have it included on the list: The Unity Temple in Oak Park, IL. It's quite possible one of the most important buildings in the history of American architecture and it isn't even on the radar.

Well, that's a subject for another day. In the meantime, enjoy exploring our world and it's amazing buildings.

Toomey Gallery Auction

The next John Toomey Gallery auction is scheduled for Sunday, May 6th. There's lots of Prairie School artifacts up for bidding this time:

• Lots of Teco pottery including an especially large and rare 4-handled version

• A collection of George Washington Maher art glass windows from the Charles Hosmer Morse house

• Some George Mann Niedecken chairs

• Plus quite a bit of Frank Lloyd Wright related items including an assortment of Heritage Henredon furniture, some photographs, and other goodies.

There's plenty of great Stickley, Limbert and other Arts & Crafts and Mid-Century modern items to add to your collection so check it out on-line and happy bidding!

Photos copyright John Toomey Gallery

ARTropolis Has Descended Upon Chi-Town

If you're planning on checking out the ARTropolis events this weekend in Chicago, this Art Chicago floorplan and Antique Fair directory might help you. Here are also a few reminders from ARTpololisChicago.com:

• Tickets can still be purchased online here.
• Tickets can also be purchased on-site at marked ticket locations within The Merchandise Mart.
• Free admission if you ride your bike to The Mart.
• Family activities available on-site.
• During Artropolis™, educational programs, guided tours, music, theater and dance performances will take place at a variety of venues, from major museums to small galleries, from world-class concert halls to cutting-edge clubs and from lakefront parks to exclusive private parties.
• Discounted admission prices are available to Artropolis ticket holders for many events.

Image copyright Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc.

Arts & Crafts Chicago

We just got our reminder card in the mail today about the second annual Arts & Crafts Chicago Show and sale. Save the date, May 12th and 13th, 2007 and come to Chi-town to see furniture and decorative accessories from the Arts and Crafts Movement (1890-1920). The show and sale will be held at Concordia University (Geiseman Gym to be exact) in River Forest, Illinois and will feature approximately 45 of the top dealers from across the country. Be sure to look for some of our favorites, including Dard Hunter Studios, John Toomey Gallery and Ephraim Pottery. We'll see you there!

The Westcott House Video

The Westcott House documentary video is now available from The Westcott House Foundation Museum Store. This film chronicles the $5.8 million, four-year restoration of Frank Lloyd Wright's Westcott House. It includes significant photos from the time the Westcott House was constructed, scenes of the restoration work in progress, and current depictions of the house – together with commentary from the principals involved in the project. Of particular note are reminiscences by Eric Lloyd Wright, who talks about his grandfather’s life and architectural style. The price is $19.95.

If interested, call 937-327-9291 to place your order.   

Image copyright The Westcott House Foundation

Be A Block Head

If you're having one of those days at work, then we have the perfect de-stressing item for you--colorful, wooden, beautifully designed blocks! House Industries, the type design gurus, just released a new product that will have you clamoring for recess--Alexander Girard inspired alphabet blocks. The set contains 28 alphablocks in a wooden tray that has a cool, colorful image of the House Industries logo printed in a puzzle format on one side and lots of Girard inspired suns and House type faces on the other block faces. It's a perfect precursor product for what we're assuming will be a super sweet font set based on the art and type of a Mid Century Modern Master. For those of you unfamiliar, Girard was a top American textile designer, known for bright, geometric patterns. He designed fabrics that Herman Miller used on furniture designed by Charles and Ray Eames.

Check out the blocks and we'll be sure to keep you posted on when a Girard font will materialize from the House Industries folks. Until then, we've got some serious playing to do!

Photo copyright House Industries

Let's Play a Game: Find the Greenwashing PR & Ad Campaigns

There has been a lot of greenwashing going on in recent years and I've just spotted what appears to be a new offender. USA Today had an article yesterday about BP's new campaign to tackle two of the biggest negative perceptions of Big Oil. Ogilvy is the agency behind the campaign's creative. You can also checkout ALittleGreenerGasStation.com.

So now that I went first, it is your turn to to send in some spottings of other greenwashing campaigns by large corporations. Send us an email at mail@prairiemod.com with your links.

Image copyright BP/Ogilvy

Death in a Prairie House

I recently finished the new and grisley book, Death in a Prairie House by William R. Drennan. While it was an interesting read, I found myself with more questions than answers by the end of it.

Rather than run through a laundry list of a review, I'm going to refer you to an excellent one written by our good friend, Mark Hertzberg at the Wright in Racine blog. He does a thorough job pointing out the pros and cons of this book--many of which I echo. Read the review and then read the book and judge for yourself.

PrairieMod Monday

"Thinking Natural" about our homes doesn't mean focusing only on the inside. The exterior of our living spaces are just as important to consider as the interiors. For this week's installment of PrairieMod Monday, we'll take a look at one aspect of "Think Natural" for the outside--landscaping.

ARTropolis/Art Chicago

ARTropolis is Chicago's Celebration of Art, Antiques & Culture. The celebration runs April 26-30, 2007 at the Merchandise Mart in conjunction with Art Chicago and three other shows around the city.

If you want to learn more about what Artropolis is all about, check out this video on artropolischicago.tv. Additionally, you can download the ARTropolis and Art Chicago brochures for full details.

Image copyright Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc.

Shopping Green

One of our very dedicated readers sent us an interesting article on the growing demand for "Greener" products by consumers and a new store that's here to satisfy that demand. Greenmaker, a store in Chicago that sells eco-friendly building-supply products to homeowners and contractors. The article interviews the owners and shares their thoughts on the Green-consumer revolution. Give it a read and plan a trip to see the store for yourself the next time you're in Chi-town--oh yeah, and tell 'em PrairieMod sent you!

Image copyright Greenmaker

Happy Earth Day!

Usually people put the words "Green" and "Chicago" together only on St. Patrick's day (and especially in regards to dying the Chicago River). But Chicago is quickly becoming one of the most Eco-minded cities in the nation. So, it's only fitting that come Earth Day, Chi-town would be one of the cities that is taking part in the Green Festival!

Home Depot's New Color Is Green

Usually a trip to Home Depot means you need screws, paint or something that will hopefully save your home remodeling project. Well, you can add saving the world to that list when you visit tomorrow, April 22! In honor of Earth Day, Home Depot stores will be giving away 1,000,000 compact fluorescent bulbs. What does this mean:

• $12 million savings in annual energy costs
• Reduction of 196 million lbs of CO2 emissions
• The CO2 saved is the equivalent of removing 70,000 cars from the road!

You can check out Home Depot's Eco Options web page for the full range of sustainably-minded products that you can find at their stores and for more info on what you can do to help save the planet!

P.S. while you're shopping at Home Depot, one of our readers informed us that there are some interesting rugs that PrairieMod minded people might enjoy!

Chicago Dares to Stand a Bit Taller: Calatrava's Chicago Spire Approved

If you haven't already heard, Calatrava's Chicago Spire design has been approved. It is that much closer to becoming a reality. Gaper's Block has a humorous write up about the approved plan and the Chicago Tribune has a detailed account of the approval with some sweet multimedia presentations to check out.

Now, let's see if they can build this baby!

Images copyright Chicago Tribune & Shelbourne Development/Santiago Calatrava

George Nakashima on LX.TV

Earlier this month the very hip and slick LX.TV debuted a new series on their broadband network titled, Gorgeous. Each episode ranges in topic from a restaurant design by SL Design to house-ware design by Alessi, plus designer profiles from Areaware, furniture design by George Nakashima and museum design at the new ICA museum in Boston. These episodes are 5 minutes in length and really spotlight innovative and cutting-edge design.

My favorite episode on Nakashima can be viewed here.

Enjoy!

Image copyright LX.TV

Don Erickson's Pride & Joy

We recently had the privilege of being invited to Don Erickson's estate in Barrington, IL - which is now available for sale. Erickson was a former student of Frank Lloyd Wright and a brilliant architect who had a wonderful grasp on the principles of Organic Architecture. Unfortunately, Don passed away last October before we had a chance to speak with him about his amazing career.

Don's widow, Patricia Erickson graciously showed us around the home while sharing marvelous memories of her husband. It was truly inspiring to walk through such a fantastically designed structure. For anyone interested in purchasing the estate, I believe the asking price is $4.2 million. Patricia can be reached via email at patriciaerickson@sbcglobal.net.

We snapped some photos during our visit and we'll be doing future posts about the life and work of Don Erickson, so keep reading the blog for updates.

Restoring A Masterpiece: A Tale Of Two Buildings

Anyone on a recent visit to the Guggenheim Museum in New York City is going to see it shrouded in scaffolding. It's undergoing a massive restoration effort to address years and years of cracking. A recent article in The New York Times graphically illustrates what the restoration architects have discovered and what will be needed to fix this beloved architectural icon. The article points out that an exhibition titled "Restoring a Masterpiece" will be on display at the museum through July 8, 2007. If you can't make it to New York to see it, cruise over to the Guggenheim website to download podcasts and video clips about the ongoing restoration effort.

We're really glad to see the Guggenheim get the restoration it needs and deserves. However, we'd like to remind everyone that there's another concrete Wright building that needs some major TLC. Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple in Oak Park, Illinois is one of the most important works he ever created. It's seen as a cornerstone of modern architecture and a building that Wright himself placed on a pedestal throughout his long career. A lot of the innovation and ideas worked through in Unity Temple helped inform later masterpieces like the Guggenheim. Unity Temple faces many of the same issues with cracking and crumbling as other Wright buildings. Attention and effort should be paid in seeing that this Prairie Period Masterpiece gets the help it needs. Please consider a visit to see for yourself what makes this building so special, you won't regret it!

Image copyright The New York Times
Unity Temple photo copyright Steven Hurder

Celebrate Frank Lloyd Wright's 140th Birthday at The Westcott House

I received an email this week from The Westcott House Foundation announcing a special summer celebration. At 7pm on June 9th, 2007 there will be a b-day bash for Frank Lloyd Wright’s 140th Birthday with a big band concert on the lawn of The Westcott House.

As part of the event, there will be a silent auction of travel packages to other Frank Lloyd Wright sites, tour tickets, books, videos, a catered dinner at the Westcott House, a wine tasting at a location of your choice– and other unique items related to design and architecture that you won’t find at other local events. Reserve your tickets now, as space is limited: $40 per person or $75 per couple. Hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar will be available.

You can find a complete list of the wonderful tour packages and unique items that will be auctioned at the event here.

Image copyright The Westcott House Foundation

Wright's Organic Inspiration

NeoCon, one of the most important industry events for environment designers, is coming up June 11-13 at the Ginormous Merchandise Mart in Chicago. What can you expect at NeoCon? As described on their website:

More than 1200 showrooms and exhibitors showcasing thousands of cutting-edge commercial products. Discover new ideas and techniques from top industry professionals with more than 130 CEU-accredited seminars, tours and educational programs. Explore the excitement of the industry with more than 50,000 design professionals and hundreds of exciting networking events and parties.

It's a pretty amazing and intense experience that will leave you creatively brimming with ideas. We're really stoked about this year's event, because of a special lecture sponsored by the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust. Architect, Christopher Rudolph, AIA will be delivering a lecture titled “Wright’s Organic Inspiration,” which shares his sense of an organic tradition in modern architecture. Mr. Rudolph will examine how:

the evolution of the Prairie School is as cogent now at the start of the twenty-first century as it was at the inception of the twentieth century. Its rooted tradition is worthy of restoration, preservation, and consideration for future inspiration. As this still-new century commences, our relationship with nature seems more fragile than ever. Despite the technological advances of this current time, the human spirit still longs for a primal connection to earth and a communal warmth of hearth and home.

Sounds like it's right up anyone's alley whose interested in the PrairieMod Lifestyle! The lecture will take place Monday, June 11, 8:30 am • 14th Floor, Steamboat Room • Holiday Inn Mart Plaza, 350 N. Orleans Street, Chicago. The cost will be $20 for Preservation Trust members or $40 for non-members. For more info, call 708-848-1976. See you there!

"Green" Tee Anyone?

Our comrades over at Inhabitat.com announced a green T-shirt design contest earlier this month. So, I thought it was hilarious when I was dragged into an American Eagle Outfitters store this past weekend and saw these awful shirts...

For any designers out there who are thinking about submitting t-shirt artwork for Inhabitat's contest...please use these images as a guide to direct you in how not to create a crappy eco-conscious tee.

I know I'm being a bit harsh, but I'm in a mood.

FYI...the submission deadline for the contest is April 20th.

Images copyright AE & Inhabitat

PrairieMod Monday

We’ve been exploring the PrairieMod Principle of “Think Natural” all this month for PrairieMod Monday. It’s this principle that teaches us how to appreciate the natural state of materials: either for building, remodeling or decorating our homes. Today we’ll examine how to “Think Natural” when it comes to one specific aspect of our homes—walls.

Chicago 2016

Chicago is one step closer to being the Olympics' kind of town! It was announced today that Chi-town beat out L.A. as America's choice for hosting the 2016 Summer Olympics. Big news for the true "Second City" and another boost in the progress of propelling Chicago onto the world's center-stage. You can check out the news coverage and all the plans at the official Chicago Olympic website. Go Chi-town!

Wright Mid-Century Modernism

We are really looking forward to this one! Frank Lloyd Wright Mid Century Modern, the next book in Alan Hess and Alan Weintraub's phenomenal series of oversized and beautifully photographed Frank Lloyd Wright books. Due out in late October, it's sure to be as amazing as their other two books (FLW The Houses and FLW Prairie Houses.) We look forward to this much needed look at Wright the Modernist (some could say, the PrairieModernist!)

Pre-order your copy now and as soon as we hear anything more about this release, we'll let you know!

A Look At Usonia

Everywhere you turn, Frank Lloyd Wright is in the news! Another article in The New York Times talks about Usonia, a cooperative of homes designed by Wright in New York state in the late 40s early 50s. Roland Reisley, original owner of one of the cooperative's houses, is mentioned as an example of the type of owner drawn to the development and it's efforts to blend in with the surrounding landscape--What we'd call an example of "Green Building" today. The article also announces a retrospective titled "Frank Lloyd Wright and Usonia: an Experiment in Living" that will be on display at the Studio, an alternative space for contemporary art in town. It also talks briefly about how the homes have fared in the market and how the development oversees the architectural integrity of the homes over time and with different people moving in and out. You can check out the article and its photos by following the link. If you'd like to learn more about this Usonian development, we suggest you read Usonia New York: Building a Community With Frank Lloyd Wright.

Photo copyright Suzanne DeChillo/New York Times

A Talk With Eric Lloyd Wright

The Santa Monica Mirror recently posted an article on their website in which interviewer David Charles sat down with Eric Lloyd Wright (Frank Lloyd Wright's grandson and Lloyd Wright's son) and asked him some questions about life, art, organic architecture and his famous family. Here's a snippet from the conversation:

David: Have you seen the properties of organic architecture filter down into middle class houses?

Eric: Oh, yeah. I think that one of the big influences that organic architecture had was on the ranch house which you’ll find in a lot of subdivisions today. It was much more prevalent in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, but it had an open floor plan. You go into a lot of these tract homes and they’ll have an open plan. They’ll have a living room with a dining area offset from it and a kitchen around the wall with no doors. That openness came out of organic architecture. The Victorian was all boxes. You had your own separate dining room, living room, little entry box and so on. You went from box to box to box. Here, this opened it up. It made a flow plan. And that was all based on the interior space. And then, of course, there’s the concept of working that interior space to be in conjunction with the outer space. So that you didn’t feel a separation, that there was a continuous movement from inside to outside. A lot of that is accomplished with, of course, glass, opening it up. For instance, on my front entry, I have no corner post, the glass is mitered. When you do that, it opens the room up. Where you have a post, your eye goes right to the post. Without it, your eye takes in the whole panorama around to the next post. So, it opens up the corner, it doesn’t box it in and the space continues to the outside. Another thing is the materials you have inside Say I have concrete block outside—you bring that inside as well, so there’s a continuous flow. You don’t just stop at the door and say, I’ve got plaster here and have stone out there, you wrap that around.

It's a pretty interesting conversation with a practicing organic architect about many of the topics that are central to the idea of living PrairieMod. Check out the rest of the article and cruise over to Eric Lloyd Wright's website to check out more photos of his work.

Photo copyright Eric Lloyd Wright

Griffin Follow Up

One of our readers, following up on the recent post about Marion Mahony and Walter Burley Griffin, sent us this note and link:

Hi, Thanks for the note about Walter Burley Griffin. Here is a listing for a WBG designed home for sale in Evanston. Maddenly, there are no interior shots... Though I'm not in the market to buy this, maybe another of your readers would be interested. —Cheers, Lori

The house listed is the Harvey B. Hurd Comstock House II, from 1911. We remember walking past this particular house last June on the Walter Burley Griffin house walk. If you're in the market for a little instant PrairieMod living, you might want to schedule a look at this Griffin designed gem! Thanks for the heads-up, Lori!

Party Alert!

Just a reminder that the Spring Design Party is tomorrow night at the Hejfina showroom. Brave the weather, come downtown after work. You can enjoy listening to Helen Maria Nugent, Professor of Interior Architecture and Designed Objects at the Art Institute of Chicago, sip a cocktail or two and rub elbows with the PrairieMod Squad and our fellow bloggers from Apartment Therapy Chicago, Design Boner and Palla Palla. Be sure to RSVP to info@hejfinashowroom.com and see you there!

A Look At The Griffins

While cruising the web today, I came across a pretty sweet collection of Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin images on the National Library of Australia website. There's a wealth of photos and drawings of several of the buildings the Griffins designed over their career, portraits of them, and even a few early photos of some Frank Lloyd Wright buildings (the Griffins both worked for Frank Lloyd Wright in the early years.) It's definitely a goldmine of information on these two extremely important Prairie School figures. If you find yourself wanting to know more about this dynamic designing duo, we suggest you check out these books:

• Marion Mahony Griffin: Drawing The Form of Nature

• Beyond Architecture: Marion Mahony & Walter Burley Griffin

• Walter Burley Griffin in America

Photo copyright National Library of Australia

New PrairieMod Freebies for Spring 2007!

Spring is here (although you wouldn't believe it with the snow here in Chicago) and we are rolling out some new freebies for you PrairieMod lovers.

Our "Springtime Inspired" desktop wallpaper comes in multiple sizes and has options for PC or Mac.
The new typeface we're offering for download is called Usonia and it is inspired by text from the original drawings of a wonderful Mid-Century Modern Masterpiece.                

As always, there is a PC version and a Mac version.

The Wright Tiles

The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation announced today that Motawi Tileworks of Ann Arbor, Michigan is now the exclusive licensed manufacturer of Frank Lloyd Wright Collection Art Tile.  The Motawi Tileworks is known for its handmade ceramic art tile that pays homage to the aesthetics of the Arts & Crafts period and is made in the tradition of that era’s great art potteries.

Frank Lloyd Wright's Graycliff

This past weekend marked the opening of the 2007 tour season at Graycliff, an architectural jewel designed by FLW that is set on a scenic 8.4-acre estate on a cliff overlooking Lake Erie. I've personally been here when visiting Buffalo last year and it is worth visiting.

For a look at the various tour offerings, check this listing.

Additionally, we've heard that The Graycliff Conservancy has announced a major lecture series for 2007. Four lectures by world renowned experts will take place on selected dates in Spring and Fall 2007. This series presents four of the foremost authorities on the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright:

April 26, 2007 at 7pm, Dr. Narciso Menocal: The Image of Water in the Work of Frank Lloyd Wright

Friday, May 18, 2007 at 7 pm, Dr. Neil Levine: The Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright

TBA lecture for Fall 2007 - Dr. Richard Cleary, author of Merchant Prince and Master Builder: Edgar J. Kaufmann and Frank Lloyd Wright

TBA lecture for Fall 2007 - Kathryn Smith, author of Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin and Taliesin West

All lectures will take place at the recently restored The Church, on the corner of Delaware Avenue and Tupper Street in downtown Buffalo. Admission is $6. Parking is free.

For more information about the lecture series, call 716/947-9217 or email graycliff@verizon.net

Image copyright Graycliff Conservancy

I Need Some Room & Board

No, I don't really need a place to stay and eat. However, I do need to get me some fresh and tasteful modern home accessories for springtime.

We've heard that Room & Board is in the midst of a bedding clearance and it looks like they have some nice choices. I really like the Riga Duvet in Moss, as it would go nicely with my quartersawn oak bed that the blessed Amish folks built me.

Also, for you cutting edge design enthusiasts...Room & Board has a new addition to their line of lighting. The Herman Miller Leaf lamp, which garnered much attention last year on the blogosphere (via), is now available in-store or online at www.roomandboard.com. This lamp has a sleek modern aesthetic and offers a 60,000 hour lifespan and consumes 40 percent less energy than a compact fluorescent bulb. These are some brilliant energy-saving stats.

My personal endorsement: Any of the items you'll find at Room & Board are an excellent and tasteful choice for anyone living The PrairieMod Lifestyle.

Images copyright Room & Board

PrairieMod Monday

"A stone building will no more be nor will it look like a steel building. A pottery, or terra-cotta building, will not be nor should it look like a stone building. A wood building will look like none other, for it will glorify the stick. A steel and glass building could not possibly look like anything but itself. It will glorify steel and glass. And so on all the way down the long list of available riches in materials: Stone, Wood, Concrete, Metals, Glass, Textiles, Pulp and Plastics; riches so great to our hand today that no comparison with Ancient Architecture is at all sensible or anything but obstruction to our Modern Architecture."

Frank Lloyd Wright wrote these words on the nature of materials as he felt they should be used in his landmark 1954 book, The Natural House. He was tired of “dishonesty” in American buildings and residences. The dishonest use of materials to mimic other materials or used in place of another, more appropriate material was a crime that we were all paying for. The only salvation from this glass and steel web of lies being perpetrated across the nation was an acknowledgement and correct use of the inherent and true nature of these building blocks of architecture. For this week’s post on the PrairieMod Principle of “Think Natural”, we’ll take a look at what it means to be true to “The Nature of Materials.”

The First "Architecture Week" in the US?

No, Hallmark Cards is not behind the new "Architecture Week", it is the American Institute of Architects. Lynn Becker of the ArchitectureChicago PLUS blog shares thoughts on the AIA's PR blitz to celebrate their 150th anniversary. Read a snippet below...

It's another cog in the AIA's PR juggernaut marking its 150th anniversary that includes the specious and inane America's Favorite Architecture survey, which has been converted into a barnstorming exhibition that opens at its first location, the AIA's Washington headquarters, on April 11th. On April 13th, there will a rededication ceremony at 111 Broadway in New York, site of the first AIA meeting. The AIA and its PR firm, Imre Communications, also wrangled a congratulatory epistle out of the White House. "Laura and I send our best wishes," its bland four paragraphs concludes.

Check out the full post here.

Images and text copyright ArchitectureChicago PLUS

Aneita Fern Opens April 16th

Aneita Fern is super excited to announce the long-awaited opening of their store. They've been hard at work creating an environment that will be both appealing and educational.
An official grand opening will be announced later, but the store opens on April 16th. So, if you're in the Dallas area...be the first to experience the new home for Stickley furniture, Frank Lloyd Wright furniture and accessories, and a host of other great merchandise. You can even just stop by to have a cup of coffee and enjoy the inviting showroom.

Also worth mentioning: they've launched their new website at www.aneitafern.com. You can also sign-up for their email newsletter to stay informed.

Images courtesy of Aneita Fern

Arte Moderne

A few weeks ago, I happened upon a special little shop that bills itself as "Chicagoland's best resource for Vintage 20th Century Modern Design." It took a bit of detective work to find the little gallery shop called Arte Moderne, located in a lower level area of shops off of Main Street in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. Upon entering the gallery, I was immediately met with a wondrous sight of Eames chairs, Art Deco silver and various Mid-Century Modern ceramics. I was like a kid in a candy store!

So what caught my eye? Well, I walked away with a 50's silver-plated atomic bud vase and an early Haeger pottery "Penguin" pitcher (great thin spout for watering house plants). Each one is beautiful, useful and will be a perfect addition to the PrairieMod decor in my house.

If you're in the area and on the look-out for some great Mid-Century Modern decor, I highly suggest you check out Arte Moderne for that perfect piece! They unfortunately don't have a website, but their hours are:

Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday: 12:00-5:00pm

The phone number is 630-790-3036 and their email is arte-moderne@comcast.net

Tell 'em PrairieMod sent you!

4pli Design

What is it about intriguing design and Brooklyn, New York? We recently stumbled across 4pli, a young architectural and design firm that strives to fully integrate itself into every stage of the design process -- from conceptualization to construction. The belief is that through this commitment, they can create work that is economical, innovative and especially functional. According to their website, the company is made up of:

                                    

"graduates of the Columbia University (Jeffrey Taras, Kenneth Tracy, William Mowat and Amy Stringer), 4pli is located in a 4,000 square foot industrial space in North Williamsburg. We are all builders as well as architects, and our office doubles as a workshop where we (happily) get our hands dirty every day."

We love the notion of not just thinking the ideas, but executing them as well--"Learn by Doing" at it's best. We also are intrigued by the furniture designs 4pli has design and produced.  From interlocking puzzle  conference tables to a nesting desk, the designs are useful and beautiful in their clean, simple approach. We are especially drawn to the little giant table and chairs. They have a decidedly Usonian quality to them that would make them perfect for any PrairieMod environment.

Check out the site and peruse the philosophy, products and people that make up 4pli. Keep up the good work Brooklyn!

Photo copyright 4pli

A Look At The Prairie Archives

Mark Hertzberg's blog, Wright in Racine, continues its recent string of wonderful posts on exciting Wright-related topics. His recent post on the Prairie Archives at the Milwaukee Art Museum is an intriguing look at a relatively unknown collection of materials from Prairie School artists and architects--with an emphasis on George Mann Niedecken's company records. We are especially stoked to learn about an upcoming April 2008 exhibit at the museum called A Revolutionary in Milwaukee: The Designs of George Mann Niedecken. Check out the article for more great info and of course more great photos from the archives.

Photo copyright 2007 Mark Hertzberg

Toms-Price: Annual "Spring Madness" Sale!

Toms-Price is THE destination for Stickley lovers in Chicagoland. So, April 14th & 15th, 2007 brings the annual spring warehouse sale to the Bloomingdale Toms-Price location. Prices are 40-70% off the MSRP for furniture, rugs and accessories.

I know from past experience that this sale can be wild, with lines so long....you honestly wouldn't believe it! Also, bring your running shoes and get ready to tussle once the doors are opened. It is all well worth the effort, if you get your hands on that fine piece of Stickley you've been eying all year long. You may not want to camp-out overnight, but just a warning...get there early or else you'll be very sorry.

Image copyright Toms-Price

Lifson On Wright

As stated in a previous post, we thoroughly enjoyed listening to Edward Lifson's (host of Chicago Public Radio's Hello Beautiful) presentation last week at Unity Temple in Oak Park. Mr. Lifson seemed energized by the experience as well and recently posted a follow-up Wright experience on visiting the Coonley Playhouse in Riverside, Illinois. We especially like his insights on the warm and familiar feeling that he experiences when visiting a Wright designed building. We refer to that experience as the "emotional reaction" you get from organic architecture versus the "analytical reaction" you get from International Style architecture. Check out Mr. Lifson's site and get your dose of beauty for the day.

Photo copyright Edward Lifson

I * Chi

Now I know that not every reader of PrairieMod.com is a resident of Chicago. However, we can't pass an opportunity to brag or show some love to Chi-town.

Naz Hamid & Andrew Huff of Gaper's Block fame are offering sweet tees that sport the "I Star Chi" graphic. A nod to the "I Love NYC" graphic tee, this Chicago-style shirt features the city flag's six-point star rather than a heart. You can get 'em in White or light blue. Just 25 bucks and you get a shirt with priority shipping, plus an I Star Chi button.

Image copyright istarchi.com

Make Time For Tea

We recently stumbled across a very interesting weblog that focuses on two things we enjoy on a regular basis here at PrairieMod — great design and a soothing cup of tea. Joey Roth is an industrial designer out of Brooklyn, New York with some extremely interesting ideas about design and the design process. As he states on his blog, Joey Roth...

"uses stories as the initial sketches for his designs. He thinks about characters, scenes, and conversations, then designs an object that will feed this narrative. He’s fascinated by the meanings that designed objects convey and by ritual behavior.

Roth used to be a student of creative writing, and loved it because it allowed him to construct entire worlds for his characters. He now tells stories through product design, and still strives to make each product an immersive world."

His thoughts on the world and how he translates these insights into his product designs are very intriguing. We especially enjoyed a recent post he wrote about the stories various materials tell (like gold, concrete, bamboo and leather.) He chose a quote from Mies van der Rohe to begin this particular post with, which naturally piqued our interest — though, we would have suggested a quote from a master architect who knew a little more about the sublime use of natural materials.

He has a special penchant for tea and tea related products like teacups, teapots, etc. He seems to have a certain sensitivity to the act and idea of making tea, not just the end result. This thinking yields some very exciting designs for what would normally be seen as a mundane utilitarian object for everyday use. He has also expanded his design approach towards lamps, bookshelves and even a computer!

Take a moment to peruse Joey Roth's products and site the next time you sit down with a cup of tea and see a perfect example of what it means to live in everyday beauty with everyday objects.

Photo copyright Joey Roth

PrairieMod Monday

Last month we explored the PrairieMod principle of "Bring The Outside In." This principle is actually very closely aligned to this month's principle,"Think Natural." Both rely heavily on the natural world for inspiration, but the principle of "Think Natural" goes beyond just the obvious inspirations of Mother Nature. Once we start bringing the outside world into our lives, it opens us up to more possibilities in designing and decorating “organically.”

PrairieMod Podcast #13: Jennifer Siegal & Office of Mobile Design

In this edition: An uncut interview with Jennifer Siegal from Office of Mobile Design. If you don't know who Jennifer is or haven't seen her work, it's about time to get in the know. View Jennifer's work here.

We talk about the prefab movement, mobile and compact living, the "prefab aesthetic" and of course...Frank Lloyd Wright.

Download PMod_Podcast_13.mp3

Send feedback to mail@prairiemod.com or leave an audio comment at 610-643-3160.

[b]ranch-house

One of our readers alerted us to a prefab alternative to "the Bauhaus box" conundrum we've been discussing here at PrairieMod--[b]ranch-house, by Modernist Modular Homes. So what is it?