Niche, a stylish interior design shop located in downtown St. Louis, will be hosting a Design Expo on June 24, from 5 to 7 p.m. Architects and designers will showcase artistic talents above and beyond their architectural and interior design skills, which they have also turned into second sources of income. Artwork on display will include painting, photography, jewelry, mosaics, sculpture, floral arrangements, furniture, fiber art, invitations, recycled artwork and more. Please help support the architectural design industry during tough economic times by attending this open-house event.
June 18th, 2010
St. Louis is a city rich in history and architecture, and participating in home tours is a great way to explore all of the unique neighborhoods that our hometown has to offer. This weekend, two home tours will allow you to see remarkable residences throughout Downtown and in the St. Louis Hills neighborhood.
The Downtown St. Louis Home Tour
Saturday, April 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This self-guided tour will showcase 12 spectacular Downtown homes in a variety of design styles, which range from a contemporary studio to a spacious luxury penthouse. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 on the day of the tour. Click here to purchase tickets online, or purchase tickets at the starting and registration location – the Old Post Office Plaza, 815 Locust St. – on the day of the event. Tour booklets and shuttles will be provided. If you purchase tickets online, please bring the e-mail confirmation to the registration table to receive a wristband and tour booklet. For more information, visit www.downtownstl.org.
The 2010 St. Louis Hills House Tour
Sunday, April 25 from noon to 5 p.m.
The tour will feature ten homes in this historic area of South St. Louis, including the magnificent St. Gabriel church and rectory. Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 on the day of the tour. Group sales of 20 or more are $12 each. Tickets will be available for purchase and pick up at the corner of Donovan and Eichelberger on the day of the event. This is a walking tour; however, participants may want to drive from one area to another as the homes are located throughout St. Louis Hills. Click here for more information, or e-mail stlouishills@gmail.com.
April 22nd, 2010
On a recent trip to Philadelphia, with its countless architectural marvels, historic monuments and an architectural heritage that spans centuries, I found inspiration around every corner.
Nearly 100 buildings are considered of such importance that they have been designated as National Historic Landmarks. This impressive architectural collection includes pioneering works by such notable architects as William Strickland, Frank Furness, Daniel Burnham, George Howe, Louis I. Kahn, Robert Venturi, I.M. Pei and Frank Lloyd Wright.
The city is also blooming with parks and gardens, many of which grace the city’s historic homes and art museums.
One unique museum that is a gem in the art-rich city – and is sure to live a full (maybe even historic) life – is Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, located on South Street in Center City. The “garden” is a mosaiced folk art environment, created by award-winning mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar. His work is included in the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art, and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, D.C.
On your next trip to the City of Brotherly Love, be sure to add Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens to your walking trip through the city. It’s history in the making! ~ Vicki
March 26th, 2010
