Issue 266 August 11th 2021

The Headlines

Summer/Fall 2021 Journal OA+D — Al Krescanko: Photographing Frank Lloyd Wright

The new issue of The Journal of Organic Architecture + Design is hot off the presses and features Al Krescanko's photography of Frank Lloyd Wright.

Al Krescanko was one of those quiet guys who said he was just doing his job when he photographed Frank Lloyd Wright some 60 years ago, but several of his insightful 1957 candid photos of the master architect have been published in at least two landmark books about Wright. Yet, Krescanko’s byline has remained largely unknown. Among photographers of Frank Lloyd Wright, it has less name recognition than the work of Pedro Guerrero, Ezra Stoller, Balthazar Korab, and Ed Obma. This issue seeks to rectify this oversight, with an essay by Mark Hertzberg and 40 pages showcasing several never-before-published photographs, detailing Al's biography, and his experience photographing Wright and his works.

If you're already a current subscriber to the journal, your journal is in the mail and will hit mailboxes soon. Otherwise, follow the link to order your copy or become a subscriber here.

2021 Wright Spirit Award Winners Announced

The Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy recently announced the 2021 recipients of the Wright Spirit Award, which recognizes owners and stewards of Wright buildings and others who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to preserving and restoring the remaining built works designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and enhancing appreciation of Wright’s legacy.

This year’s Wright Spirit Awards will be presented during the Conservancy’s annual conference, held this year in Buffalo, New York, and online. The awards ceremony, underwritten by Ron and Jan Scherubel, will take place at the conference’s closing gala on the evening of Saturday, October 16, and will stream live online. Full conference details, including schedule and free access to the gala livestream, will be available here.

“The Wright community is amazingly strong and creative” says Barbara Gordon, executive director of the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy. “With the Wright Spirit Award, we recognize those who have made a significant and lasting impact on the ongoing effort to save Wright. This year we celebrate stewards who carried out exceptionally high-quality house restorations, and professionals who have found creative new ways to engage the public during this unprecedented time.”

PRIVATE CATEGORY

Suzanne and Tom Miller: Late owners, DeRhodes House, South Bend, Indiana — For rescue and restoration of the DeRhodes House (Presented privately in spring 2021)

Doug LaBrecque: Owner, Meyer House, Galesburg, Michigan — For comprehensive restoration of the Meyer House

PUBLIC CATEGORY

Wright Virtual Visits: Jeff Goodman, Heidi Ruehle and Eric Rogers — For the development and execution of the Wright Virtual Visits program

PROFESSIONAL CATEGORY

Marta Wojcik — For outstanding leadership as executive director & curator of the Westcott House, Springfield, Ohio

The Wright Spirit Award was established by the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy in 1991 to honor individuals and organizations who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to preserving Wright’s legacy. The Conservancy’s Awards Committee selects the honorees from nominations received during an open nomination period. For a complete list of Wright Spirit Award winners please visit the Conservancy’s website here.

The Ultimate Guide To Frank Lloyd Wright

Dwell magazine has given readers the Ultimate Guide to Frank Lloyd Wright. From the legendary architect’s most iconic projects to homes that you can actually rent, they’ve compiled their Frank Lloyd Wright stories into a single archive so that they’re all one click away.

Whether you’re looking to learn more about the architect’s design thinking or just poke around inside Frank Lloyd Wright homes that have surfaced on the market click here and indulge.

Wright Plus 2021 Is Right Around The Corner

After a difficult 2020, the spectacular Wright Plus Architectural Housewalk returns September 18, 2021. The Frank Lloyd Wright Trust has put together an impressive lineup of buildings for the event. With appropriate COVID safety measures in place, you'll be able to tour the interiors of eight private residences and two landmark buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and his contemporaries. For one day only, homeowners invite guests into the private living spaces of their magnificently restored homes, re-imagined for today’s lifestyles. Guides will be on hand to enhance the tours with details about the history and the beautiful architectural elements that give each home its unique character. Get all the details on this event by following the link.

The Frank Lloyd Wright Road Trip Midcentury-Modern Lovers Need To Take

The official Frank Lloyd Wright Trail guides travelers to nine of the renowned architect’s most significant buildings in his home state of Wisconsin.

Frank Lloyd Wright once famously said, "Study Nature, love Nature, stay close to Nature. It will never fail you." Now, a self-guided motor trail honoring the visionary architect incorporates this sentiment by piecing together his architectural masterpieces with lovely landscapes in his birthplace and home state: Wisconsin. The Frank Lloyd Wright Trail winds and weaves through southern Wisconsin, featuring stops at nine of the architect’s most impressive buildings along the way. Take this architectural road trip to learn more about Wright’s philosophy on nature and design—and to admire some of the most beautiful midcentury-modern structures in the world. More information here.

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