Image via architizer.com
Art
Urban Diagrams On Display
Image via architizer.com
Light My Way, Stranger For Schindler
James Perry of Nicholson Architects sent word about an upcoming auction event called "Light My Way, Stranger" at The MAK Center for Art and Architecture's first Day of the Dead Auction, Friday, November 2, 7–10 pm. All proceeds will go to benefit the R.M. Schindler properties. James wanted to share an image of a new Candelabra design called "Lux Mechanica" by Architect Duncan Nicholson, which is part of that auction. See all the various designs being auctioned here.
Image via Nicholson Architects
Thar She Blows!
Image via Google
Google's Little Nemo Tribute
Today is the 107th anniversary of artist and early animator Windsor McCay's comic Little Nemo in Slumberland. To celebrate, Google has put together an ambitious interactive comic on their homepage. See it here.
Image via Google
Celebrating Mackintosh
Charles Rennie Mackintosh's home city of Glasgow, Scotland is planning an inaugural two-week festival that runs October 15-28, 2012. The event will feature theater, music and exhibitions on the life and works of the famed architect and designer. More here.
Image via www.gsa.ac.uk
Ware Pays Tribute To OPRF
Writer/artist, Chris Ware, has been all over the news lately thanks to the release of his new graphic opus, Building Stories. However, as a resident of Oak Park and lover of its history and architecture, he recently teamed-up with the Oak Park River Forest Historical Society to produce two illustrated posters that pay tribute to the town's remarkable built treasures. Get yours here.
Image via Chris Ware
Design & Architecture Crossword Puzzle
Design Within Reach and the New York Times just published this crossword puzzle based on design and architecture. Test your knowledge!
Image via NYT
Chris Ware At Unity Temple
Image via UTRF
It's Time To Fire Up The Furness
Image via artdaily.org
Chicago's Living Landmark
Image via newcity.com
The Guggenheim Gets Crabby
Christine C. Molling sends a link to a new fashion craze that all the hip hermit crabs are wearing this season: 3D printed Guggenheim Museum shells by artist Peter
Moosgaard. Check out the crabs strutting their stuff here.
Image via youtube
Ashes To Ashes
Smoking is a nasty habit, to be certain, but I recently had ashtrays on the mind. To be specific, an ashtray that Louis H. Sullivan designed for John Lloyd Wright (son of the famed Frank Lloyd Wright) after John sought the great architect out in the twilight of Sullivan's career. John writes a fantastically detailed account of their meeting and the design of the astonishing ashtray in his book, My Father Who Is On Earth.
What's elusive about this design is that it was never executed and the drawing was destroyed in a fire years later (ironically enough).
How cool would it be to come across a copy of this design somewhere out there that somehow survived and see the magic that so moved John all those years ago. Alas, the liklihood of finding such a copy is as elusive as wisps of smoke. We'll have to suffice instead to read about it here.
Image via wikipedia
Ware It's At
The Chicago Tribune's Christopher Borrelli recently featured graphic artist and Oak Parker, Chris Ware, who has a new book out in a few weeks called Building Stories. Read more here and check out a sneak peek at the book here.
Image via chicagotribune.com
Morris Gallery Refreshed And Reopened
Image via economist.com
Don't Miss The Distinctive Furniture
Just a reminder, The first annual Distinctive Furniture Show closes tomorrow evening with a reception coinciding with Bridgeport Art Center's 3rd Friday, monthly event. Details here.
Image via cfdainfo.org
Celebrate Team Sheets
Image via Curbed LA
In Memoriam: Pedro E. Guerrero
We learned today of the passing of Pedro E. Guerrero, 95, at his home in Florence, AZ. Guerrero was one of Frank Lloyd Wright's most beloved and prolific photographers, documenting several of the Architect's works, including the early days of Taliesin West. See some recent photos of Pedro at Mark Hertzberg's Wright in Racine blog, read more here, and learn more about his life and work via the excellent book, Pedro E. Guerrero—A Photographer's Journey.
Image copyright Mark Hertzberg
Revolutionary Plans For Cuban Ballet School
Nelson B. sends a link to a story featured on NPR about ballet superstar Carlos Acosta's and Lord Norman Foster's controversial plan to finish/restore the Cuban Ballet School, one of the island's most important
architectural landmarks. The actions of the dancer have rekindled and decades-old debate about the future of Cuba's
state-sponsored cultural model. Read/hear more here.
Imag evia NPR.org
Historic Palace/Orpheum Theater Gets Second Act
Curbed LA reports that the longtime owners of four of Los Angeles' historic theaters—including the Palace (formally the Orpheum Theater)—are putting a plan together to bring the buildings back to life as concert venues, restaurants and bars. As an aside, almost a hundred years ago, the Orpheum had some pretty sweet show posters designed by Alfonso and Margaret Iannelli...future concert poster designers have a tough act to follow. Read more here.
poster image via ArchiTech Gallery/Theater image via Curbed LA
Robert Beharka Exhibit
Architect Kevin Wagner posted news that he will be installing an exhibit on the work of Taliesin-trained architect Robert Beharka at this year's
Modesto International Architecture Festival, which runs September 15-23. If you're not able to attend the show in person, then make sure to check out some of Bob's amazing works of art and design over at Kevin's Flickr page. See it here.
Image copyright Kevin Wagner
Picture Perfect Exhibit
Image copyright James Caulfield
Chicago Missed It By That Much...
Turns out Chicago, the city Frank Lloyd Wright loved and which had the most important impact on his career, could have been the home of the architect's massive archive—but the Art Institute turned it down. Now the materials will go to New York instead. Sigh. Read more about it here.
Thanks to Mark H. for the heads-up.
Image via wikipedia
Larry Zgoda's Opus Vitri Fusium
Larry Zgoda, who worked with legendary Modernist Edgar Miller, has created a work of art that combines stained glass, fused glass and mosaic. The composition draws inspiration from Van Gogh’s Starry Night and invites the question: “Is this an original technique?” More after the jump...
More On The Wright Archive NYC Move
The web has been buzzing all day since the announcement that the Frank Lloyd Wright Archives will be moving to New York as part of a joint stewardship agreement between the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, Columbia University’s Avery Architectural & Fine Arts Library and the Museum of Modern Art.
Want to learn more? Sean Malone, CEO of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, sent special information which will appear in the upcoming issue of The Frank Lloyd Wright Quarterly Magazine (if you don't already get it, then become a member to receive it here). Read Mr. Malone's message here.
Images via the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation
Speaking of Iannelli...
Don't miss the new Fall show opening Friday, September 7, 2012 at 5:00 pm at the ArchiTech Gallery titled "Alfonso Iannelli: Modern by Design." It is the precursor to the monograph of the same name coming very, very soon on this important (but over-looked) Modernist.
The gallery show is going to have some absolutely stunning and one-of-a-kind pieces—it runs through December 29, 2012, so don't miss it! For more details, contact the ArchiTech Gallery here.
Image via ArchiTech Gallery website
Iannelli On The Mind
Bonnie McGrath writes in the Chicago Journal that she recently had Alfonso Iannelli on her mind after several mentions of the Modern artist, designer & sculptor occurred during a recent tour of Chicago's Northerly Island. Read about it here.
Image via chicagojournal.com
Frank Lloyd Wright Archive Is New York Bound
I received word Monday evening from Bruce Brooks Pfeiffer at the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation that they have partnered with the Avery Library at Columbia University and the Museum of Modern Art in New York to form a unique joint stewardship of the 23,000 architectural drawings, about 40 large-scale, architectural
models, some 44,000 photographs, 600 manuscripts and more than 300,000
pieces of office and personal correspondence that comprise the Frank Lloyd Wright Archives. Read more about this very significant event here.
Image via franklloydwright.org/Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation
Grant Wood: A Life...In Park Ridge
Image via grantwoodalife.com
In Memoriam: Vincent E. Van De Venter
Architect and artist, Vincent E. Van De Venter, passed away early Saturday, August 18, 2012 at the age of 78 at his home in Rockford, Illinois.
Long-time friend, Sam Guard, sent word that Van De Venter was a 1958 graduate of Bruce Goff at University of Oklahoma; a 1960-61 employee in Alfonso Iannelli's studio in Park Ridge, IL; and long-time Associate at Dennis Blair's (Taliesin trained) architectural office in Barrington, Illinois. He was an intriguing artist working in many materials, and an ingenious architect of organic structures and mid-century modern homes.
Though Vince was hampered with health problems at the end of his life that limited his travel, in November 2011 he journeyed to Chicago in order to witness the installation of two 10-ft red granite carved columns which he had rescued when the Iannelli Studios was decommissioned in 1969 (shown in photo). Learn more about Vince's life here.
Image courtesy Sam Guard
VDL Research House's French Connection
Richard Neutra's VDL Research house is in need of some preservation help. That's why current tenant and French artist Xavier Veilhan is bringing attention to this architectural landmark by filling it with his works of art. Read more here.
Image via artinfo.com
Exhibiting Wright At The Art Institute
A new Wright-related exhibit opens this Saturday, August 18, 2012 at Chicago's Art Institute called "The Formation of the Japanese Print Collection at the Art Institute: Frank Lloyd Wright and the Prairie School". As described on the Art Institute's website, "This exhibition is comprised of Japanese prints originally purchased from Frank Lloyd Wright, photos of the 1908 exhibition, as well as presentation drawings by Wright and his studio. Many of the drawings are by talented draftswoman Marion Mahony Griffin and show the incorporation of elements found in Wright’s Japanese prints. In this collaborative exhibition, works drawn from the departments of Asian Art, Architecture and Design, and the Ryerson and Burnham Libraries will be on view." Find out details here and read a recent Wall Street Journal article about the exhibit here.
Image via artic.edu
London Calling
Sunday night marked the end of watching two weeks of the 2012 London Olympics. In between the remarkable feats of athleticism, NBC ran a brief segment on the rediscovery of the "Keep Calm and Carry On" poster by Scottish bookstore, Barter Books.
The simple, but effective graphic design inspired me to do my own riff on the now ubiquitous red poster that I thought PrairieMod readers would enjoy. Wright On!
Image copyright PrairieMod
New City Art Reviews Larry Zgoda's Work
Art glass artisan, Larry Zgoda and his beautiful work was recently reviewed by Chris Miller for New City Art. Read the review here and then check out more of Larry's work here.
Image via art.newcity.com
Reminder: Bradley House Art Show
Wright in Kankakee's Fine Art Show at the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed B. Harley Bradley House is July 21-22, 2012 with an opening reception on Friday the 20th from 6-8pm. Get details and tickets here.
Image via kankakeewright.org
Vale Craft Gallery Summer Show
Just a reminder that the Vale Craft Gallery Summer Group Show takes place on Friday, July 13th from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Enjoy some wine and cheese, mingle with local artists, and browse the selection of works in clay, glass, metal, fiber, wood, and mixed media. See new work by local artists including Larry Zgoda, Michelle Sales, Joyce Rebora, Steve Rebora, Mary Alexis Fox, Nanette Loeff Allen, Judy Petacque, John Showalter, and Linny Freeman. Details here.
Image via Larry Zgoda
Paper Landmarks
I stumbled upon the super cool work of Paper Landmarks on etsy.com the other day and was bowled-over by these cardboard architectural creations. Hailing from Latvia, Paper Landmarks makes amazingly detailed replicas of famous skyscrapers, bridges, temples and monuments of the present and the past, built from precisely cut cardboard parts. The models come unassembled or you can arrange to have them assembled for you.
I'd love to see some Frank Lloyd Wright buildings get the cardboard treatment--paper Unity Temple or Larkin Building anyone? Check out the full line here.
Image via paperlandmarks etsy store
Larry Zgoda At Vale Craft Gallery
Larry Zgoda Studios will be showing a number of works in stained glass at Vale Craft Gallery in the Summer Group Show. The show will open on the evening of Friday, July 13th with a gala reception from 5 to 8 pm, and run through September 1, 2012. Details after the jump...
Dancing About Architecture
Here's a fun comic created by artist Grant Snider. Inspired by the quote, "Writing about music is like dancing about architecture", Snider pairs iconic architectural styles with various dances. The Robie House makes an appearance for the Prairie style two-step.
Image via Grant Snider
Stickley Gets Hammered
Cobre Copper, the artisans known for their hand-hammered Arts & Crafts inspired wares, recently announced a brand new reproduction of a 1906 Gustav Stickley 12" plaque. This beautiful piece is being offered at a special introductory price of $110. Get yours here.
Image via Cobre Copper
Adding A Piece Of Chicago In LA
Los Angeles Confidential reports on the Los Angeles County Museum of Art's (LACMA) 2012 Collectors Committee Weekend, a high-end annual fundraiser whose goal is expanding the museum's permanent collections. One of the ten objects up for consideration has an important Chicago architectural pedigree: An 1890s Louis Sullivan-designed elevator panel from the (now lost) Chicago Stock Exchange. The article reveals that the Sullivan piece and six other artworks were successfully added to the permanent collections. Read more about it here.
Image via la-confidential-magazine.com
Break The Box This Summer
Looking for something cool to do during the heat of summer? Then check out Unity Temple Restoration Foundation's Break The Box programs—including a tour of Chicago's first self-sustaining vertical farm and a tour of Conservation of Sculpture & Objects Studio. Details here.
Image via UTRF
Oak Park's Summer Outdoor Sculpture Walk
Oak Park, IL is holding its first annual summer outdoor sculpture walk June 2 – October 14, 2012. It'll be a chance to see some iconic architecture and cutting edge public sculpture side-by-side. Art will be on display at 12 locations on Lake Street and Forest Avenue. The walk will begin at the Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St., head west along Lake Street to Forest Avenue, then north toward Chicago Avenue. Learn more here and here.
Image via oakpark.suntimes.com
Travel In Glorious Graphic Style
Lovers of graphic design and traveling will want to check out the Boston Public Library's Print Department Flickr image set showcasing vintage travel posters from the 1920s-1940s. The bold colors, geometric shapes, and streamlined sensibilities truly make these graphic icons from the “Golden Age of Travel.” Check them out here.
Thanks to Neil B. and Joe M. for sending the link!
Image via boston public library flickr set
Make It An Architectural Weekend
...And if you're planning to be in Chicago to see the "Wright's Roots" exhibit, then don't miss the chance to visit the ArchiTech Gallery as well to see rare architectural drawings, photos, artifacts and the current show featuring works by architect, Alfred Browning Parker. Details here.
Image via the ArchiTech Gallery
Weaving Community
To celebrate the kick-off of the NeoCon design exposition and conference this week in Chicago, Herman Miller is offering 10 free wallpapers for your desktop, iPhone or iPad, all inspired by the different ways they define "community."
Images via Herman Miller
A Graphic Look At The Stockman House
As a special treat to PrairieMod readers in honor of Mr. Wright's 145th, here's a new Mod illustration of Frank Lloyd Wright's Stockman House in Mason City, IA. Plan to see the real Stockman House (and many more of Mason City's cool architecture) at this year's Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy Annual Conference. Get details and reserve your tickets here.
See all the rest of PrairieMod's Architectural Graphics here. Happy Birthday, Mr. Wright!
Image copyright PrairieMod
7th Annual Arts And Crafts-Chicago Show And Sale
Also on deck this weekend in Chicago, it's the 7th annual Arts and Crafts-Chicago Show and Sale, which will take place at the Geiseman Gym on the campus of Concordia University in River Forest Illinois Saturday, June 2 from 10 AM - 7 PM and Sunday, June 3 from 10 AM - 4 PM. Admission is only $7. The show will feature antique and reproduction furniture and accessories from the American and English Arts and Crafts Movement and always has something interesting to offer collectors and enthusiasts of all stripes. Get more info and a discount admission coupon here.
Image via artsandcraftschicago.com
Go Native With These Prints
Fair Oak Workshops, purveyors of the finest in Arts & Crafts era gifts and decor recently introduced their new line of Edward S. Curtis Native American prints. Original Edward S. Curtis photographs depicting the American West landscape and its indigenous people are rare and very expensive. Fair Oak's fine art prints provide the opportunity to affordably own a Curtis image and add that perfect touch of Arts & Crafts charm to your home. See all the offerings and options here.
Image via fairoak.com
Help Support The Immaculatta Statue Restoration
The Kalo Foundation of Park Ridge, IL is having a fundraiser to restore an important addition to the Iannelli Studios Heritage Center: The Immaculatta Statue by Alfonso Iannelli. The event will be 3pm on June 3, 2012 at Iannelli Studios and will feature restorationist Jane Foley and comedian Vicky Quade. Contact the Kalo Foundation for more details.
Image via HABS
Abstract Taliesin At Auction
Swann Auction Galleries' June 14, 2012 American Art sale features a rare multicolor print of "Abstract Taliesin" by Eugene Masselink, signed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and once owned by Hilla Rebay (first curator of the Guggenheim Museum in NY). If you have $8,000-$12,000, it could be yours. See more here.
Image via Swann Auction Galleries
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