Issue Oct 16th 2024  October 16th 2024

New Events Unveiled At Taliesin West 

The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation is launching an exciting lineup of new tours, public events and interactive programs this fall and winter at Taliesin West, Wright’s iconic home in Scottsdale. These offerings invite visitors to immerse themselves in the legacy of the famed architect.

Established in 1937, Taliesin West was Wright’s desert laboratory – a hub for innovation, art and performance. Today, it stands as a National Historic Landmark where the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation continues to foster that same spirit of creativity and education. Visitors can explore how Wright harmonized architecture with the natural desert landscape while discovering his lasting impact on the design world.

The Behind-the-Scenes Guided Tour invites guests to venture beyond the typical visitor space, uncovering hidden areas like the Guest Deck and Apprentice Court. Running from January to May 2025, this two-hour tour offers an intimate look at the collections and preservation efforts at Taliesin West.

For a more relaxed experience, the Sunsets & Sips happy hour program runs on select Thursdays from October 2024 to January 2025. Attendees can enjoy drinks while exploring Taliesin West’s outdoor spaces with exclusive access to interior rooms that change each week. Author Nora Burba Trulsson and photographer Andrew Pielage will host a book signing on October 17 as part of the event.

The Taliesin West Film Series offers movie buffs the chance to watch classic Hollywood films like The Birds and Double Indemnity in the historic Cabaret Theater, a space once used by Wright himself for performances and screenings. The series runs monthly on select Fridays starting in October.

Families and young learners can take part in Discovery Day on November 9, an all-day event filled with performances, crafts and hands-on activities for visitors of all ages. The Foundation is also offering a winter break camp in December where attendees can dive into architecture-themed projects, including building models and creating designs inspired by Wright’s principles.

For those interested in photography, Taliesin West will host two-weekend workshops in early 2025, led by acclaimed photographer Andrew Pielage. Participants can capture the beauty of Wright’s architecture and the surrounding desert landscape while learning photography techniques.

Members of the Foundation receive exclusive perks including discounts on tours and events like Sunsets & Sips as well as VIP areas during select events.

Whether you’re looking for educational tours, engaging family activities or cultural events, Taliesin West offers something for everyone this season. For more, visit franklloydwright.com.

Click for more details: arizonafoothillsmagazine.com  

Connecting Three "Driftless Area" Wisconsin Parks

The Driftless Area Land Conservancy has started the years-long process of constructing a trail that will eventually cover 50 miles of the Driftless Area and connect Tower Hill, Blue Mound and Governor Dodge State Parks.

The process for creating the trail is unique because over 97 percent of the Driftless Area in Wisconsin is privately owned. The conservancy’s plan is to find private landowners who want to convert parts of their property into conservation or trail easements.

“Even though it will connect state properties, it will cross primarily private lands. So finding enough landowners in alignment to make that happen is a bit of a leap of faith,” said Barb Barzen, community conservation specialist for the Driftless Area Land Conservancy.

The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation is one notable private landowner that has converted parts of its property to trail land. Two sections of the trail will be located on the grounds of Taliesin, Wright’s home in Spring Green.

“This land really inspired Frank Lloyd Wright. All of his ideas about architecture actually come from … where this trail is,” said Emily Butler, vice president of partnerships for the foundation.

The foundation wants Taliesin to be more integrated into the community and for people to have the opportunity to experience the land surrounding the property — as Wright himself was able to, Butler said.

The creation of the trail has also had the side effect of getting more land protected. The conservancy has protected 470 acres solely through their conversations with landowners.

The Driftless Trail is currently about 7 miles total, with various unconnected sections scattered around the region.

The conservancy expects to take about 20 years to complete the trail.

Click for more details: wpr.org  

Alden Dow Builds A Texas Town

Architect Alden Dow played a key role in shaping the design of a Texas town called Midland. Dow was known for his unique style that blended nature and modern architecture, and he wanted to create spaces that felt connected to the environment. His vision led to some innovative buildings and public spaces that still define Midland, MI today.

Dow’s approach to design influenced the town’s character. It’s fascinating to see how one person's creativity can leave a lasting mark on a community!

Click for more details: ourmidland.com  

The High-Rise Guaranty Building Of 1896

The Guaranty Building in Buffalo, New York, was completed in 1896 and is a stunning example of architectural design. It highlights the work of Louis Sullivan, who is often called the "father of skyscrapers." Sullivan’s innovative use of ornamentation on the building really makes it stand out, with intricate details that showcase his belief that a building’s decoration should reflect its purpose.

Sullivan's ideas changed how we think about tall buildings, combining beauty with function. The Guaranty Building not only looks impressive but also paved the way for future skyscrapers. If you're curious about the building's unique features and its significance in architectural history, you might want to dive deeper into the article!

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Wright's Kraus House To Replace Roof

The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Kraus House in Kirkwood, MO will replace the historic home’s 30-year-old shingle roof next year as part of its conservation management plan.

A starting donation of $10,000 from local mid-century modern architecture group ModernSTL’s preservation fund will help fund the project, along with donations from the home’s annual giving campaign later this year.

Chicago-based Harboe Architects, which specializes in historic preservation and restoration, will provide leadership in the planning of replacing the roof. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has provided funding for architectural services in the planning phase. The organization is evaluating the best approach, considering many factors including Frank Lloyd Wright’s original design, the period of historic significance, sustainability and other factors.

“By investing in the restoration of landmarks such as the The Frank Lloyd Wright House in Ebsworth Park, we not only safeguard our architectural heritage, but also continue our mission of raising awareness and promoting the preservation of mid-century modern design throughout St. Louis and beyond,” said ModernSTL President Nathan Wilber.

The Frank Lloyd Wright House in Ebsworth Park, also known as The Kraus House, was designed by Wright in 1950 at the request of Russell Kraus and his wife Ruth. Located at 120 N. Ballas Road in Kirkwood, the 1,900-square-foot house is an excellent example of Wright’s Usonian architecture, intended to provide middle class Americans with beautiful design at moderate cost. The Frank Lloyd Wright House in Ebsworth Park purchased the house from Russell Kraus in 2001 and donated the house and grounds to St. Louis County.

Click for more details: timesnewspapers.com