Constructing Spanishness at the 1933-34 Century of Progress International Exposition: Daniel H. Burnham Jr.'s development of the Spanish Village

Martha Frish, architectural historian

Tuesday, June 2, 5:45pm

Kyle's Place, 65 E Huron Street (at Rush St.)

The focus of the talk is about Burnham Jr.’s romanticizing what he saw while in Spain, into what was actually produced in the Exposition, as pictured on the photograph here. His diaries and archive materials serve as valuable records at conveying his perception. (Click the image for a larger view)

Martha Frish has worked for FEMA on Section 106 architectural history projects and as a Senior Program Officer at the National Trust for Historic Preservation. She has also served on the faculty in the Historic Preservation Program at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and at the DePaul University. She is currently a freelance historian, doing architectural, social and cultural research on behalf of clients, contributing significantly to Inmaculada Álvarez Martínez’s ongoing thesis project on the Spanish Village at the 1933-34 Century of Progress Exhibition.

Inmaculada Álvarez Martínez is an art historian and conservator, and is currently a Museo Nacional del Prado Fellow in Exhibitions. She has held fellowships at the Barcelona School of Architecture (ETSAB) and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Her research explores national identity at world's fairs and spatial perceptions through visual culture.

WE'RE GOING BACK TO WISCONSIN!!!!!

For details about meal selection, and to reserve and pay, CLICK HERE

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Wauwatosa.

Designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1956, and completed in 1961, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The church is one of Wright's last works with construction  completed after his death. The design is informed by traditional Byzantine architecture reinterpreted by Wright to suit the modern context. The church's shallow scalloped dome is similar to that of his Marin County Civic Center in California.

After lunch at the famous Mader's Restaurant, we will head to the Milwaukee Art Museum to see

"Gertrude Abercrombie: The Whole World is A Mystery." As the only Midwest venue for this nationally touring exhibition, MAM brings together nearly 80 paintings from major museums and private collections. The exhibition reveals an artist whose spare, dreamlike imagery including moons, owls, cats, solitary figures, and doors leading to unknown places. Her art became a language of introspection and imagination. Known as the “Queen of Chicago,” Abercrombie (1909-1977) hosted legendary salons in her Hyde Park home, where musicians like Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker performed late into the night. Like her life the art was infused with rhythm, humor, mystery, and quiet rebellion.

Please join us! It will be a lovely day!

Mon, March 2 at 5:45pm
St James' Kyle Place (Huron and Rush)

Best known for his groundbreaking, idiosyncratic single-family homes in suburban and rural areas across the United States, Goff charted an alternative narrative for a modern architecture imbued with individuality, materiality, and fantastical invention.

More about this presentation and the speakers

The Uptown Chicago's Endangered Movie Palace Authors Robert Loerzel and James A. Pierce Tuesday, February 17, 5:45 pm Kyle's Place, 65 E Huron Street

The Uptown Theatre, which opened 100 years ago, is one of America’s largest and most lavish movie palaces. it’s been vacant and unused for more than 40 years. Authors Robert Loerzel and James A. Pierce will talk about their new book on the history of The Uptown Theatre. Using original records and firsthand accounts, they tell a story of dreamers, a changing neighborhood, and a nation stepping into a new world.

More about the book and the authors

Lisa Key, Executive Director of the Driehaus Museum will discuss

"Tiffany Lamps, Beyond the Shade"

Wednesday January 28, 5:00 pm
at The Cliff Dwellers

6:00 pm dinner
   Members of Cliff Dwellers:  $54; Guests $60