Curated Tours In the Summer and Fall and Paintings Inspired by WNC Landscapes Come to Asheville

by Kate Nixon

 

 

Collections and Director’s Tours Offered at the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms

Gustav Stickley’s own Arts and Crafts Utopia has re-opened for curated tours once again — this time with the museum’s Executive Director and the Director of Collections. While construction continues for the Stickley Museum, specialized tours have been created on the museum’s property on Thursdays that will focus on the customized works made for the log cabin and the history of the property and museum in the special offerings, the “Collections In-Depth Tour with Jonathan Clancy” and the “Director’s Tour with Vonda Givens.”

“Collections In-Depth Tour”

This 1.5 hour tour of Craftsman Farms dives deeply into the Museum’s collections. From the pieces that were custom-made for the Log House, to objects owned by Stickley, to exceptional examples of his and others’ work in the space, this tour is designed for those seeking a different experience of the Log House. By focusing on objects–their connoisseurship, history, and construction–this tour seeks to foster an enriched understanding of Craftsman Farms, Gustav Stickley, and the Arts and Crafts movement in the United States. Executive Director Givens says this tour is perfect for those who want guided and deeper knowledge of Stickley’s own personal works. “Jonathan’s tour focuses on objects as a lens through which to examine Craftsman Farms and the life and work of Gustav Stickley. It’s ideal for collectors and anyone wishing for a “deep dive” into the objects in our collections.”

“Director’s Tour”

On this 1.5-hour tour, explore the past, present, and future of the property and the museum, including details about ongoing construction to rebuild the Annex (damaged by a tropical storm in 2020) and restore the Log House kitchen. According to Givens, the “My “Director’s Tours” will provide more of a “behind-the-scenes” look at Craftsman Farms and the museum from my perspective after working here for 14 years. So much has changed in that time, but our commitment to Gustav Stickley original vision for Craftsman Farms has not. It is deeply rooted in all of our work. All of our tours offer a unique perspective of the property. I hope Stickley fans will try them all!”

Log House Tours

In addition to the special curated tours, the docent-led Log House Tours have also returned weekday afternoons. “We’re excited to welcome visitors back for tours of the Log House. With construction to rebuild the Annex expected to take place over the next year, we will be offering tours two days of the week. On Saturdays, visitors can choose from two docent-led “Log House Tours” offered in the afternoon.”

Reservations are required for all visits. Tours will be held rain or shine. If the museum cancels the tour due to extreme weather or other unforeseen circumstances, participants will be notified by email and receive a full refund or credit.

To sign up for the specialized tours or the Log House tours, click here to visit StickleyMuseum.org.

 

 

In a Minor Key: Tonalist Landscape Paintings by Shawn Krueger

An exhibition at Grovewood Gallery at the Grove Park Inn, Asheville, N.C.

June 18th through July 31st, 2022

 

Opening reception with the artist – Saturday, June 18th from 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Free admission to the reception

 

The works of artist Shawn Krueger will be on display in Asheville’s own Grovewood Gallery, starting Saturday June 18th kicking off with an opening reception at Grovewood Gallery with Krueger himself. In a Minor Key, a solo exhibition of Krueger’s tonalist paintings, will focus on studio works inspired by his travels through the landscapes of Western North Carolina; his dream-like representation of pristine forests and lands around the Asheville area were grounded with tonalist processes and representative of the American Arts and Crafts movement revival.

While admitting to the “colorful” look of his works, the Grand Rapids, Michigan-based artist and newly-certified Roycroft Master Artisan reveals his tonalist approach allows for a more intimate experience in viewing his landscapes. “The title In a Minor Key speaks to the tonal nature of my work,” Krueger said in an interview with Asheville’s The Laurel. “There’s a subtlety to the paintings, and while I think they can be described as ‘colorful,’ I frequently utilize a limited color palette. I feel this approach, along with my tendency to work on a smaller scale, asks a bit more of the viewer and invites them to contemplate my paintings in a more intimate manner.”

 

 

While his paintings can be found private collections and the permanent collections of the Grand Rapids Art Museum, Shawn Krueger has been a seven-year exhibitor with the National Arts and Crafts Shows at the Grove Park Inn and a member of the American Tonalist Society.

Those in the Western North Carolina area can come meet the artist in person June 18th at Grovewood Gallery during a free opening reception from 2:00pm to 5:00pm. Krueger will also be showing and selling his works at the Roycroft Summer Festival June 25th and 26th. For more information, to see where he’ll be next, and to view his collection of paintings online, visit his website ShawnKrueger.com.

 

Delving into An American Legacy in Buffalo, New York with The Frank Lloyd Wright Trust

“An American Legacy: Architecture, Craft, and Design in Upstate New York”

September 2nd – 5th, 2022

 

Visit the historic thriving hub of industry and renaissance city known as Buffalo, New York and get to know the history of architecture and design while staying at a glowing example of Arts and Crafts hospitality this upcoming September. The Frank Lloyd Wright trust presents a four-day exploration of the birthplace of Roycroft and home to the groundbreaking examples of prairie architecture from Frank Lloyd Wright and others.

Central to this legacy of architecture and design in upstate New York, were the executives of the historic Larkin Company, John D. Larkin, Elbert Hubbard, Darwin Martin, and William Heath. Founders and patrons of a community of designers and craftsmen at the Arts and Crafts Roycroft Campus, these “American men of business, with unspoiled instincts and ideals”, were also responsible for some of the greatest buildings Wright designed during his Prairie years. Wright’s groundbreaking design for the 1904 Larkin Administration building in Buffalo (demolished, 1950) set a new standard for the modern American office building, while the architect’s unified and harmonious vision for the Darwin Martin residence remains a highpoint in Wright’s long career. And overlooking Lake Erie, the Martin family retreat Graycliff represents a transition to the architect’s later structures in concrete.

The National Historic Landmark Roycroft Inn, filled with Arts and Crafts furniture and decorative art, serves as the host hotel for the 4-day trip. Enjoy VIP tours of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie masterpieces, inspiring lectures by architectural historians and architects, and regional food.

For more information, click here to visit the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust’s website.