Issue 322 September 7th 2022

The Headlines

Don't Miss Wright Sites —x— PechaKucha '22 Live-Stream

The Westcott House, Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy, and PechaKucha HQ are teaming up for the fourth edition of a live online global event highlighting Wright's work and legacy. Presentations will be given in the highly visual and dynamic PechaKucha format, which consists of 20 image-based slides that automatically advance after 20 seconds, so each talk lasts only 400 seconds.

The free virtual event, scheduled for Wednesday, September 14th, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. EDT, will feature Wright homeowners, curators and scholars, including Heather Sabin (Monona Terrace), Keiran Murphy (KeiranMurphy.com), Eric O’Malley (Wright Society and Organic Architecture + Design Archives), Dale Morgan and Norman Silk (Turkel House), Jennifer Gray (FLW Foundation/Taliesin Institute) and Sydney Papinchak (Polymath Park).

“The Conservancy is thrilled to partner for a third year with the Westcott House and PechaKucha HQ,” says Barbara Gordon, Executive Director of the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy. “This fun event connects lovers of architecture and design worldwide with Frank Lloyd Wright’s vital legacy, and shines a spotlight on incredible efforts to preserve, restore, and protect it for generations to come.”

"Few architects continue to influence and inspire the world of design the way Frank Lloyd Wight does, still so long after he made his original mark,” says Mark Dytham MBE, principal of Klein Dytham architecture and co-founder of PechaKucha. “Being so far ahead of his time it's no surprise his work keeps resonating with new generations. For PechaKucha, having deep architectural and design foundings, it's a privilege to provide a platform for organizations like the Westcott House, FLW Building Conservancy, and other stewards and appreciators in the Wright Sites network, to spotlight the master's works and legacy, and to celebrate our collective admiration."

“This event brought so much upliftment and joy to what was rather unsettling time for all of us back in June 2020,” says Marta Wojcik, Westcott Executive Director & Curator. “These kinds of collaborations have a tremendous power to do so. We look forward to connecting yet again with friends from all around the world on September 14th!”

Attendees can register for the Zoom Webinar here. You can also visit pechakucha.com to watch the live stream. Presentations will be available to view within 24 hours after the event. For additional information, visit westcotthouse.org.

Hollyhock House Reopens To Visitors Following "Transformative" Restoration

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House has opened its doors to visitors for the first time since the start of the pandemic following a two-year restoration. The Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) has hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially reopen the landmark property, which is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Los Angeles.

Hollyhock House was closed throughout the recent pandemic, during which time DCA staff carried out “transformative” restoration work on the building’s cast stone, ornate windows, woodwork, and landscapes. Read more about the restoration and see the photos here.

Two Stories Amber Lager Celebrates Wright’s D.D. Martin House

Through their "Stories of Resurgence" series, Resurgence Brewing Company and The Buffalo News are telling the stories of Buffalo through beer—the latest being Two Stories Amber Lager, a brew crafted to celebrate the resurgence and tourism success of the historic and iconic Frank Lloyd Wright's D.D. Martin House.

The Two Stories beer has a QR code that links to a dedicated microsite, where users can access a promo code for $5 off any public tour at the Martin House, plus learn about Frank Lloyd Wright and the significance of his Buffalo masterpiece.

Jeff Ware, president and owner of Resurgence Brewing, said the Our Two Stories Amber Lager helps to share the history of the Martin House and will "hopefully inspire pride in Buffalo's architectural gem." More here.

Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy announces 2022 Wright Spirit Award honorees

The Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy announces the 2022 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. There are 10 awardees from the Chicago area being honored this year.

This year’s Wright Spirit Awards will be presented during the Conservancy’s annual conference, held in Chicago, Illinois at the Palmer House Hilton. The awards ceremony, underwritten by Ron and Jan Scherubel, will take place at the conference’s closing gala on the evening of Saturday, October 22, and will stream live online. Full conference details and registration is available at savewright.org/conference.

“The community of Wright building stewards is amazingly dedicated” 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 restorations, and professionals who have dedicated their vocations and expertise to the preservation of Wright’s built legacy.”

TAWANI Hospitality is the Presenting Partner for the conference.

The List of 2022 Wright Spirit Award Honerees

PRIVATE CATEGORY

Jack Reed Owner, Glasner House, Glencoe, Illinois For rescue, restoration and protection of the Glasner House

Gale and Eric Rothner Former owners, Alice and George Millard House, Highland Park, Illinois For rescue, restoration and renovation of the Millard House

Patrick Schwarz and William Levy Owners, Mary Adams House, Highland Park, Illinois For the comprehensive restoration and renovation of the Adams House

John Farneda and Stephanus Greeff Owners, Coonley House, south wing, Riverside, Illinois For the rescue and restoration of the Coonley House, south wing

PUBLIC CATEGORY

Glencoe Historical Society, Village of Glencoe, and Glencoe Park District For rescue of Booth Cottage

Laurent House Foundation For its commitment to preserving and sharing the legacy of Frank Lloyd Wright and Kenneth and Phyllis Laurent

PROFESSIONAL CATEGORY

Eifler & Associates, Architects For his work on many Wright properties, which combine conscientious restoration and practical rehabilitation practices, including an emphasis on sustainable renovation

Gunny Harboe, FAIA For his strong focus on preservation architecture especially as applied to the work of Wright

Carol JH Yetken, ASLA CYLA Design Associates, Inc. For her work to enhance the landscapes of Wright properties through both aesthetics and infrastructure

SPECIAL HONORS

JENNIFER N. PRITZKER President & Chief Executive Officer, TAWANI Enterprises, Inc. Colonel (IL), IL ARNG (Retired) For her leadership in supporting the Wright community, through philanthropy and the restoration of the Bach House

For more information on the 2022 FLWBC Conference and to register to attend, follow the link.

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