Preserving Frank Lloyd Wright and Prairie School Structures in Minneapolis
So I figured that I would be in for a treat spending the morning to explore some of the Prairie style and FLW buildings in Minneapolis with Jennifer Olivarez, Associate Curator with the Minneapolis Institute of Arts and I was not disappointed!
We began our morning with Cliff Johns at the Redeemer Missionary Baptist Church (Originally Purcell & Feick's 1910 Stewart Memorial Church) Although the church has undergone some renovations the sanctuary still maintains it's original character. Cliff will be your guide through the church. He has lots of stories about the renovation - make sure he tells you about the outpouring of community support to raise funds to renovate and restore the sanctuary. It is amazing what can be done when your community stands behind you!
Our next stop was the Purcell-Cutts house. Designed in 1913 by the team of Purcell and Elmslie for Purcell's family, this home is pure whimsy. I won't ruin the experience for you - you will have to sign up to get the behind the scenes look for yourself, but I will offer a "peek" at what is to come. (Look for it when you are in the house - hint, you can see it from the inside and outside)
Jennifer has also arranged for a special exhibit at the MIA of the history, significance and restoration of the Malcolm Willey House. The group will also have an opportunity to explore a Prairie School gallery. I would highly suggest that attendees find their way over to the MIA. They have a fabulous collection - make sure you look up heading through the front lobby. (Those of you that are Chihuly fans are in for a treat!)
The last stop of the day is the Malcolm Willey House, where attendees will have the opportunity to meet Steve Sikora and Lynette Erickson-Sikora, owners as well as their restoration staff.
Make sure to get your tickets early! This is a session that is not to be missed. Lots of behind the scenes and exclusive access - a particular treat for those of you (like me) that are fans of the Prairie School style and FLW.
~Charlotte
2 comments:
Hello again from Minneapolis!
I'm enjoying reading your field session blog (I feel like I've virtually visited them all!) ...this is a great
resource for locals and for the people who will be traveling here to attend the conference in St. Paul!
Here's a website from the Minneapolis Art Institute with
more info on the houses.
http://www.artsmia.org/
unified-vision/
This American Experience series on
Frank Lloyd Wright was controversial but had good details
on his most famous buildings:
http://www.pbs.org/flw/
Rabid FLW fans might consider also trying to arrange a visit to the Don & Virginia Lovness studio & cottage in Grant, out toward Stillwater, MN ("The Birthplace of Minnesota," 25 miles northeast of St. Paul). The Lovnesses worked quite closely with FLW on the project, as I recall, and I think the property sold recently.
AMH
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