Frank Lloyd Wright in Kankakee

Over the past weekend I traveled to Kankakee, Illinois to participate in the "Wright in Kankakee Fine Art Show and Sale".

I have to admit that my motive for going was primarily to tour another FLW designed residence. The trip was also a great opportunity to show my Paper Art Quilts to a new audience during the weekend show.

The juried fine art show took place in the B. Harley Bradley House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1900 for Mr. Bradley and his family. It is located at 701 S. Harrison Avenue.

The Bradley House and its next door neighbor, the Warren R. Hickox Jr. House, are recognized as Wright's first pure Prairie style designs.


This Wright designed residence is uniquely located on the banks of the Kankakee River. Frank Lloyd Wright designed the residence, its furnishings and the landscaping.

The Bradley's moved into the house in the Spring of 1901 and lived there until 1913. Between 1915 and 2005 there was a succession of owners and uses for the property.

In 2005 present owners Gaines and Sharon Hall purchased the property to rescue the Stable from demolition. Eventually they used FLW's original plans and undertook a complete restoration of both the residence and the stable.

In 2009 a not-for-profit organization, Wright in Kankakee, was formed. It's mission is to eventually own the residence and make it available to the public as an arts and education center.
It is this organization that sponsored the Fine Art Show and Sale. Thanks to all the staff, many volunteers, fellow artists and interested art patrons for a great visit. 

And thanks to the Art Competition Judges, David Bagnall of the Frank LLoyd Wright Trust in Chicago and Jeff Stevenson, Gallery Director at Governors State University, for my First Place in the Joseph Dodson/Bird Inspired category:

and my Second Place in the Frank Lloyd Wright Inspired Category.

And Thanks for looking!