Modern Property - Joe Kunkel

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.

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.

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!

Great Autumn Architecture Tours

I just read in the Chicago Tribune that the Farnsworth House will be offering tours of the flood damaged Mies masterpiece. These special tours are going to run only through the end of October and will offer a rare (and heart- wrenching) look at the recent damage.  The proceeds from these tours will help with the extremely costly restoration.

Also, Wright's Robie House in Hyde Park is set to undergo a comprehensive restoration project starting in fall of 2009. In preparation for this , the tour schedule will be cut back from 7 days a week to Saturdays only beginning Nov. 1, 2008 until closing to the public Oct. 31, 2009. Go see the ultimate Prairie House while you can.

www.farnsworthhouse.org
www.gowright.org/robiehouse/tours.php

Cool St. Louis Museum Shows

What a fantastic excuse for a road trip!

I just got a heads-up from a friend about 2 great new art exhibits in St. Louis. The first is at the Kemper Art Museum, and is all about Mid-Century California art, design and culture, running 9/19/08 to 1/5/09. The second  is at the St. Louis Art Museum and features important American Abstract works by de Kooning, Pollock, and many others. It will run from 10/19/08 to 1/11/09. The museums are only blocks from each other.

I can't wait to take a drive down to see these 2 shows and hope you can get there, too. Below are links for both shows.

http://www.slam.org/index.aspx?id=122&exh=84
http://kemperartmuseum.wustl.edu/cool.html