It's almost time for SOFA CHICAGO again- the fabulous Sculpture Objects & Functional Art Show that will bring more than 80 art galleries and dealers from 10 countries around the world. This year, for the first time, the Intuit Show of Folk & Outsider Art will be held in conjuntion with SOFA, so you can see both great shows under one roof. Being held at Navy Pier's Festival Hall November 5-7th -click here for more info.
Culture
October 28, 2010
October 24, 2010
Wright's Coonley House for Sale
Coonley House 1908-1910 (Keith Hale/Sun-Times)
In 1908 industrialist Avery Coonley commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright to design a prairie-style estate on the banks of the Des Plaines River. It would be completed in 1910 and would be considered by Wright himself to be "the most successful of my houses from my standpoint".
The sprawling main residence is embellished with art glass windows and the exterior features glazed tile panels in a cubist motif. The main house was accompanied by several outbuildings including a coach house/stables, and gardener's cottage which have been turned into separate homes over the years. The Coonley Playhouse (with its famously colorful stained glass windows) is just down the street.
In 1950, the main house was divided into 2 separate residences. This side of the home has over 6,000 square feet and has been completely restored including the original 50-foot handpainted mural in the living room and Jens Jensen landscape (great article about him in today's Chicago Tribune). It has 300 feet of riverfront on the Des Plaines. The asking price is $2.89 million and the home is a national landmark. Click here for more information.
October 17, 2010
Winnetka Antiques + Modernism 2010
The 2010 Winnetka Modernism Show is being combined with the Antiques Show to form a single show- Antiques+Modernism Winnetka, encompassing the decorative arts & design from the 17th to mid-20th centuries. Browse fine art, furniture, jewelry, vintage textiles and objet d'art. Talk to dealers and experts from across the United States. At the historic Winnetka Community House this coming Friday through Sunday, Oct. 22-24- click here for hours and directions and ticket info.
Gary Gand of Chicago Bauhaus and Beyond will be at the show doing a book-signing of the Julius Shulman: Chicago Mid-Century Modernism book on Sunday October 24th from 11am-5pm.
The Women's Board of the Winnetka Community House has been holding this event for 60 years and it's always an enjoyable and interesting day in one of Chicago's loveliest neighborhoods. Hope you get a chance to come explore.
September 16, 2010
Manilow Sculpture Park
Illinois Landscape No. 5 by John Henry-1976
The Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park is located in the south suburbs in University Park, Illinois and is such a gem!
It's set on several acres of rolling prairie about 30 miles south of Chicago on the campus of Governors State University in University Park, Illinois. Founded by Nathan Manilow, (who also founded the planned community of Park Forest) and filled with works by prominent artists such as Mark diSuvero, Bruce Nauman, and Martin Puryear along with many others. The monumental pieces are placed along meandering paths that wind through native prairie plantings. The park is open year round and tours are available-my most memorable visit was just after a heavy snowfall - magical.
Please take a look at the website and then plan a visit. You just have to come here if you get the chance-you won't be sorry.
July 09, 2010
Art in Chicago
There are some fantastic art events happening right now in Chicago. What a city- I feel so lucky to live here.
I just got a chance to see the new Alexander Calder exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art. An entire gallery has been filled with Calder's amazing creations and visitors can walk around and under them. The gallery across the hall showcases pieces by contemporary artists inspired by the master.
This morning on NPR, I heard about the Andy Warhol Silver Clouds installation at Crown Hall, the quintessential Mies masterpiece at Illinois Institute of Technology. A work of art in a work of art! The IIT campus is a wonderful place to wander around-full of great architecture. I'm headed there this weekend. The show is running through August 1st, so I hope you get a chance to see it.
Finally, the 19th annual North Michigan Avenue Art Festival is being held at Pioneer Court right across Michigan Ave. from the Wrigley Building. It runs Friday through Sunday and is right in the heart of the city.
Get out there and enjoy!
May 17, 2010
Wright in Wisconsin Tour
Just heard about this tour coming up in a couple of weeks organized by the Wright in Wisconsin group- I've always wanted to get a good look at the Johnson Wax Campus and this sounds like a great tour. The Wright & Like tour will also visit some beautiful and important residences in the Racine area and those will be a treat to see, too. It's coming up soon - June 4-6, so check it out.
May 03, 2010
FanGuide Tours
I came across the website for FanGuide Tours the other day and I thought it was such a genius idea- they offer architectural tour apps for your iPod Touch or iPhone. As of now, they have 4 tours available: Chicago's Oak Park, River Forest, the Loop, and Los Angeles Modern. You just download the app and walk along at your own pace learning all about the architecture and history of what you're seeing. Each tour offers several different routes and includes loads of extra photos and trivia. Great for visitors or exploring your home town. Really cool- check it out!
April 27, 2010
Julius Shulman Chicago Book
Julius Shulman: Chicago Midcentury Modernism
It's Here! Our new book of midcentury Chicago homes photographed by the one-and-only Julius Shulman has been published by Rizzoli Books and is now available for purchase. Chicago Bauhaus and Beyond worked very hard on getting this book together, and persuaded Julius Shulman to come to Chicago to document some of our outstanding examples of midcentury residential architecture, with the aim of furthering the appreciation of these hidden gems. All too often, these homes are lost due to lack of understanding of just what treasures they are.
Mr. Shulman passed away last year at the age of 98, but when he came to Chicago to do this project, many of us were privileged to meet him and enjoy his company. It was an experience we'll never forget.
April 25, 2010
Henry P. Glass House
Just listed. This fantastic house is the real deal; a mid-century treasure (I know I use that word a lot, but it's true) by innovative Chicago architect and industrial designer Henry P. Glass. Built for his family in 1948, the house is one of the earliest to use passive solar design. Mr. Glass included many other thoughtful touches in his home such as numerous built-in furnishings, flexible floor plan, and thermopane windows. There is an amazing video tour of the home guided by Elly Glass, Henry's widow.
Located on a quiet dead-end street in Northfield, Illinois, one of Chicago's north suburbs, the house has 3 bedroom and 2 baths on one level. There is also a large separate studio and office with its own entrance.
My group, Chicago Bauhaus and Beyond, was lucky enough to tour this house last year. Here is a unique opportunity for a savvy buyer to own and preserve a work of art and piece of architectural history.March 24, 2010
Another Great Reason To Join Chicago Bauhaus and Beyond
image courtesy of Studio Gang Architects
Wow! Here's another great reason to join CBB . If you join Chicago Bauhaus and Beyond (the non-profit architecture group of which I'm president), you can register to attend our next members-only event: a tour of the Columbia College Chicago Media Production Center by Studio Gang Architects. Meet architect Jeanne Gang and tour the building with Alicia Berg, Columbia's head of real estate, planning and facilities.
Check out the CBB website, then join, and register for what promises to be a fascinating evening. We do many special events like this throughout the year, but you must be a member to attend. The cost to join is minimal and the benefits are many-join soon.