WRIGHT INSPIRATION
Often art will inspire architecture, but in the case of
Photo credits: Courtesy of Jim Charnon, Racine http://jjcartisticphotography.com/
Beginning with Wright’s SC Johnson headquarters (top photo), the H.F. Johnson Jr. family home (now the Wingspread conference facility), and several area homes, the world-renowned architect and his followers have inspired additional newer building projects like the Golden Rondell Theatre and Forteleza Hall on the SC Johnson campus (second photo), plus schools and commercial buildings. The newly renovated Racine Art Museum, although not a Wright design, continues the theme of beautiful buildings, along-side those of the nearby Southside Historic District residential neighborhood. The Johnson Building on Monument Square is shown below. Photo credit Linda Reinholtz
With all this striking art around them, it’s no wonder artisans find the area a source of inspiration that takes many forms including hand-blown glass, pottery, jewelry and photography, magnificent ice and sand sculptures and the Quilts on Barns driving tour. Racine’s many galleries are highlighted in numerous art fairs, expositions, art walks, gallery nights and the annual Public Art Event, where pieces created by local artists are displayed on sidewalks downtown and auctioned at the end of the summer.
Several theatre groups like the Racine Theatre Guild, Over Our Head Players, Haylofters and Apple Holler theatre offer consistently quality theatre experiences for adults and children in Racine County. Wonderful music is also abundant with the Racine Symphony Orchestra, the Choral Arts Society, local bands and creative musicians all lending their talents to enhance fun-filled activities like First Fridays downtown, Music on the Monument, Summer Nights at the Square and River Rhythms on the Fox River.
photo credits Downtown Racine Corporation
Art and music proliferate in Racine in the shadow of superb architectural surroundings. Racine is a fabulous environment to relocate to and enjoy the beauty of the local community, while still being just a short drive from metropolitan arts venues in Milwaukee and Chicago. These amenities make the Racine area an exceptional place to live and grow. To learn more about Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture and approach to design and how his legacy applies to contemporary times, visit the exhibit at the Milwaukee Art Museum, “Frank Lloyd Wright: Organic Architecture for the 21st Century.” (This exhibit ends mid May)
Article provided by Linda Reinholtz, First Weber Racine office
Thank you for reading the First Weber Wisconsin real estate & Wisconsin living blog for information on the arts scene in Racine, Wisconsin. Racine has affordable housing if you are interested in this ideal location between Milwaukee and Chicago. See what’s for sale in the Racine real estate market by searching firstweber.com and meet the members of First Weber’s Racine sales office.