An Icon of 20th-Century Architecture | The Farnsworth House

Located only an hour from where I grew up and a two-hour drive from downtown Chicago lies The Farnsworth House, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's modern masterpiece. A pilgrimage site for architects and designers world-wide, it is considered one of our country’s most important modern assets. I have to admit my interest in this gem is recent, only following them on Facebook and Twitter in the last month.

My fascination with architecture started when living in Chicago in the mid-1990s. I worked on the ninth floor of a glass-box office building built in 1967 overlooking the Michigan Avenue draw bridge, the Wrigley Building, and the Chicago Tribune Tower. Our apartment on the 21st floor in Printer's Row, had a birds-eye view of that iconic of all glass and steel skyscrapers, the 110-story, once-named Sears Tower (now called the Willis Tower). I was immersed in and surrounded by architectural history.

The 1585-square-foot house built in 1951 on the Fox River in rural Northern Illinois stands as a testament to one of the greatest architects of the 20th century. The portraitist Annie Leibovitz trekked to Plano, Illinois to photograph the house for her upcoming book, Pilgrimage, due out Fall 2011. And, toy giant Lego has even immortalized it in their architecture series.

Open April 1 through November 24 for guided tours. My next trip to Illinois will definitely include a visit to this rich museum.

Knox Martin | The Whaling Wall Public Art Project

Knox Martin's whaling project has intrigued me since my first visit to his studio almost three years ago.  He is passionate about this project and I'm so thrilled to see it moving forward.

Knox Martin and Woodward Gallery announce this important public artwork, The Whaling Wall, to be premiered as a public mural at 334 Grand Street in New York, corner of Grand and Ludlow Streets facing west, scheduled to be completed May 2011.

The powerful image depicts man’s irresponsible killing of the whales, a metaphor for peace and a call for humanity.  Known for his muralist work, Knox was seen in the recent past on a cherry picker putting his signature in a more visable location when his Venus  was partially covered by construction of a new building adjacent to that mural.  At age 88, he is an awesome force!

©2011 Knox Martin/Licensed by VAGA, New York, NY

The realization of this public artwork is made possible by the commitment of the following:

• Artist Knox Martin has envisioned and will donate his painting to the public to raise awareness;
• Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Downey have donated their building’s exterior wall;
• Golden Artist Colors, Inc. will provide custom paint; and
• Woodward Gallery has coordinated and will curate the project. 

Click here for more information.