Back To School

Last week I started taking a Jewelry Fabrication (i.e., metal smithing) course at the Maitland Art and Art History Society and so far I'm really enjoying it!

I'm also enjoying some of the beautiful grounds there. The society itself is a conglomeration of various historical buildings, art studios, and historical paraphernalia that have all come together to create one awesome group.

And I believe the gardens near the studios are quite lovely, so I thought I'd share one pics.

This particular garden is walled in and has buildings bordering the sides.

There's a lovely little lilly pond right next to the buildings.

And all the stucco and tile work is very intricate and so lovely.

I'm also a big fan of all the blue and turquoise accents amidst the white stucco, terracota, and green expanses.

So pretty.

It almost feels like you've stumbled upon a secret garden.

It's the perfect spot to relax with a cup of coffee before heading into the studio for some hard work and education.

It's also a great spot to read a book.

And it's definitely a little central Florida gem! If you're ever nearby I recommend popping in for a bit!

Kisses,

K

(All images created and owned by Krista Carson. Please ask permission before using.)

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Wanderlust Wednesday: Falling Waters

I was born in Pennsylvania and remember studying Frank Lloyd Wright's Falling Water in elementary school but being too young to go.. :/ You had to be at least nine years old.*

But ever since then I've always wanted to go some day.

(How gorgeous is this shot of it in the full thralls of Autumn by Robert Ruschak?)

"Home Facts:

• Description: A mountain retreat for the Edgar J. Kaufmann family of Pittsburgh, owners of Kaufmann's Department Store:
• Residents: Edgar Kaufmann Sr. (1885-1955), Liliane S. Kaufmann (1889-1952), and their son, Edgar Kaufmann jr. (1910-1989). The home was owned and used by the Kaufmann family until 1963, when it was entrusted by Edgar Kaufmann, jr., to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.
• Design and construction:Designed in 1935 by American architect Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) The main house constructed 1936-38, followed by the guest house construction in 1939
• Final cost: $155,000 (Included $8,000 architect’s fees, and $4,500 for installed walnut furnishings)
• Square footage: The main house uses 5,330 square feet. (2885 sq. ft. interior; 2445 sq. ft. terraces) while the guest house uses 1,700 square. feet.
• Paint Colors: Wright's desire to create a unified and organic composition limited the color palette at Fallingwater. Only two colors were used throughout: a light ochre for the concrete and his signature Cherokee red for the steel. PPG Pittsburgh Paints has worked with Fallingwater to develop eco-friendly paints that withstand the environmental challenges of the site. They have also created a series of colors inspired by the building and its surroundings. For more information click here.
• Visitation: 4.5 million people since opening our doors in 1964, with 160,950 in 2011.
• Preservation: The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy has preserved Fallingwater since 1963, with a major structural repair in 2002 strengthening Fallingwater’s cantilevers to prevent collapse and future deflection.
• Surroundings: Surrounded by the WPC’s 5,000 acre Bear Run Nature Reserve.

Notable Facts:

• Fallingwater was featured on the cover of Time Magazine, January 1938
• Fallingwater is the only major Wright-designed house to open to the public with its furnishings, artwork, and setting intact
• Frank Lloyd Wright once suggested that the house’s concrete surfaces be coated in gold leaf."

Frank Lloyd Wright is both mine and many others favorite architect for a reason... His work is simply amazing and speaks to the eyes and the soul.

If I ever get a chance to get up near there again I'm definitely going! Would you?

Kisses,

K

(Photo via Archdaily.com and © Robert Ruschak – Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Facts verbatim via fallingwater.org)

*I know, I know, I've always had a nerdy and artistic bent to me but I love that.

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I've Been Everywhere...

Not really, but it's a really catchy song...

Any rate, I thought I would continue to share the places I've been to that I've really enjoyed in the past or thought were neat and worth sharing but under this title from now on.* Now on with the post!

So, some people hate Andrew Carnegie. And some people are fans...But, one thing you can't help being a fan of, though, was his building/ funding of public libraries around the country.

Pretty awesome methinks! I love books and reading so Carnegie wins major points with me where this topic is concerned...

The Queen Anne branch in Seattle is a lovely small branch he funded. It manages to be super cozy but has lots of special details. Plus it's easy to catch a bus to it if your in the city or to walk just a few blocks from it to some of the most beautiful vistas of the city and the surrounding mountains in Seattle.

 

From the stained glass to the woodworked details, everything is just lovely.

 

Plus, you can't fault a beautiful place that supports and brings the community together... And I love all the pretty trees surrounding it! If your in Seattle and looking for a cozy place to dry off, use some wifi, and enjoy a good book this is your place! Not to mention that Upper Queen Anne has awesome food, "How to Cook A Wolf**," anyone?

Kisses,

K

(All photos by Krista Carson.)

*Throwback Thursday reminds me of old school pics... I'm not against it, in fact I rather enjoy it but it just doesn't seem to fit for this sort of post.

**Yes, that's really the name of a restaurant. It's a super popular place for a reason. :)

 

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Scenes From Chicago

Chicago is one of my favorite cities. I loved living there* and I love to visit! The Second City by the lake** is always actually quite first rate: great people, great food, great art, great architecture, colorful, and great personality! What's not to love?

So to help you understand why Chicago is "my kind of town," I though I'd reminisce by sharing the pics from my last walk down Michigan Ave. this trip with you. (And yes, all this awesome is really on a walk-able length of just one street.)

So here's my walk downtown back to the hotel from over by Water Tower Place on Michigan Avenue, but the pics are in reverse.

 

The Elevated tracks' color coding system adds some spiffy to the stairway.

Streetlights aglow.

The home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, who are superb! (Although I do miss the old conductor Daniel Barenboim.)

The awesome park next to the Art Institute.

One of my favorite city icons, one of the lions outside the Art Institute.

The pointy topped building in the top right of the photo is actually the very architectually appointed Chicago Athletic Club. Pretty posh, no?

The ever fabulous Art Institute of Chicago. Go! It's pretty incredible!

The Husband looking fierce with one of the lions.

Another great wing of the Art Institue with another great sculpture garden to match.

More awesomeness.

This is a fantastic interactive sculpture set consisting of cascading towers of water, light up and video glass block, and the faces of Chicagoans. If you're ever in Millenium Park be sure to check it out, it's super fun!

The Cultural Center used to be the city's main public library (Don't worry there's a massive and beautiful one to replace it.) so it has wonderful literary quotes tucked away amongst all it's fab architecture. It also has a stunning and quite large Tiffany glass dome inside. It's a quick, easy, and so worth it Chicago must see!

The Cloud Gate sculpture tucked away up in the middle of this photo is in Millenium Park and more commonly known as "the Bean" among locals and tourists alike. It's a gorgeous bean shaped metal sculpture polished to a high mirror shine that reflects its surroundings. I'm rather found of it. :)

The Frank Gehry band shell in Mikkenium Park is the place to be in the warmer months. The city puts on tons of free shows and concerts featuring all the fab performing arts that the city fosters.

Trump tower and the Wrigley Building.

A lovely Milton quote on the Tribune Tower where a lot of city's broadcasting used to be done.

 

The Tribune Tower entrance.

Busy city streets.

 

The Hancock Tower.

 

I love shopping downtown, including at Water Tower Place.

 

The Husband and the Water Tower.

 

The iconic Water Tower that survived the great fire of Chicago.

Hope you enjoyed our quick jaunt through the city together! Keep in mind that all these photos were taken while walking and talking and never stopping. (Except at crosswalks when we truly had to stop of course. Jay walkers annonymous here I come.)

All in all it took us about 15 to 20 minutes to walk the 1 to 2 miles between Water Tower Place and the Palmer House Hilton, our hotel. When in the city... speed walk like you still live there!

Kisses,

K

 

(Photos by Krista Carson.)

*except for the c c cold freezing winters... Brrr...

** Weird weather in Chi-town? That's easy, it's just lake effect ;)

 

 

 

 

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The Palmer House Hilton

While in downtown Chicago I was fortunate enough to be surprised with a stay at the Palmer House Hilton. (The Husband knows how much I love historic places.)

The outside is rather inconspicuous compared to inside.

Even the stairs have lovely architecture.

This was the elevator lobby on our floor.

We were pretty exhausted by the time we got there late at night but still excited.

The elevator lobby downstairs reflects the resplendent architecture and tastes of the day.

However, it's the main lobby of the hotel that really sings!

The soaring ceilings are full on intricate details.

 

 

Even the lighting is reminiscent of the over the top splendor of the era.

The hotel has the Roman, Greek, and Egyptian touches that we're popular throughout.

 

And it's chock full of stunning marbles, granites, and other stonework.

Even the grillwork on the ducts is meticulous. And while it's been modernized the escalator actually blends in surprisingly well.

You can just imagine the sort of swirling roaring parties that used to happen here.

Either side of the upper stories of the main lobby is bookended with ballrooms. Unfortunately due to events happening and our time crunch I couldn't snag any photos of those...

Maybe next time I'm in downtown Chicago we can pop in for one of the history tours they offer and see them.

Super gorgeous though! It was a lovely experience that I highly recommend. The room was well appointed and the room service was timely and tasty. (Truffle chips? Yes, please!) Even if you're not going there to stay be sure to tuck your head in and take a peek!

Kisses,

K

(All photos by Krista Carson.)

 

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