T.C. Boyle :: The Women
Monday, February 16, 7 pm
Cost :: FREE

This gifted author will read from and discuss his newly published novel, The Women, a masterful ode to the complex and creative life of Frank Lloyd Wright told through the experiences of four women who loved him. Boyle knows Wright: he and his family live in the first of Wright’s California designs, which, like Unity Temple, is celebrating its centennial this year.

Paul Goldberger :: Frank Lloyd Wright, Sacred Space, and the Challenge of the Modern
Thursday, March 26, 7:30 pm
Cost :: $15 / $20

Is there a conflict between the desire to express a modern idea and the timelessness we expect of sacred space? Paul Goldberger, award-winning architecture critic of The New Yorker, will look at Unity Temple in the context of history’s great religious spaces. He will explore the connection between architecture and the spiritual and consider its meaning, both for Frank Lloyd Wright and for the architecture of today.

Goldberger has written about architecture, design and urbanism for The New Yorker since 1997 (his most recent column focused on Chicago's Burnham Plan Centennial). He began his career at The New York Times, where he was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Distinguished Criticism, the highest award in journalism.

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David Jansheski :: The Space Within: A Printmaking Workshop
Saturday, April 4, 10am-4 pm
Cost :: $125 / $155 plus materials

Explore your creative side. This hands-on, full-day workshop, set in the inspiring spaces of Unity Temple, will encourage playful discovery of the printmaking process. Using a portable printing press, internationally recognized artist David Jansheski will guide participants in explorations of relief, drypoint, monotype, and stenciling techniques. He will share his own work and show examples of the Japanese prints that influenced Frank Lloyd Wright. At the end of the day, participants will take home portfolios of their work.

Bring a smock and be prepared to get ink on your hands (ink is water-soluble and eco-friendly). No previous art making experience is necessary. Space limited; registration required. Bring a bag lunch.

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Eric Lloyd Wright :: Sustaining a Legacy
Thursday, April 16, 7:30pm
Cost :: $15 / $20

In Unity Temple’s centennial year, it is especially meaningful to welcome architect Eric Lloyd Wright, Frank Lloyd Wright’s grandson. His Malibu-based practice is dedicated to the evolution of Organic Architecture through the integration of green building methods and materials. He will explore the continuing relevance of both Organic Architecture and Unity Temple in a society increasingly concerned with the environment and sustainability.

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Rancho Verde :: Nature + Industry: An Off-Site Tour
Thursday, May 7, 2 pm
Cost :: $15 / $20

The LEED Platinum headquarters of Christy Webber Landscapes are a bold and progressive example of sustainable development and community improvement. The site--a reclaimed brownfield--has undergone a remarkable transformation. After decades of abuse as an auto impound, landfill, and iron-works, it is a model of cutting-edge green building technology. Innovative features include geothermal heating and cooling, solar panels, a wind turbine, an intensive green roof system, bioswales for water runoff, and a rain garden. Join UTRF for an exclusive tour. Space is limited; registration required.

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Historic Preservation and a Sustainable Future :: A Community Conversation
Thursday, June 4, 7 pm
Cost :: FREE

As part of the Burnham Plan Centennial Celebration, UTRF and the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning team up with Landmarks Illinois, the Pleasant Home Foundation, the Village of Oak Park Historic Preservation Commission, and the Village of Oak Park Environment and Energy Commission to encourage active citizen participation in the development of “Go to 2040,” Chicago’s first comprehensive, long-range regional plan. A panel of experts including Mike Jackson, Chief Architect of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, will raise key issues and stimulate discussion of how we envision the future. CMAP will integrate participants’ comments into the final plan, to be published in 2010.

Musicircus :: “Here Comes Everybody” or Art & Anarchy
Saturday, September 12, 1 pm- 4 pm
Cost :: FREE

A revolutionary performance in a revolutionary space: “Musicircus” was composer John Cage’s concept of engagement through artistic creation and execution. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of Unity Temple’s dedication, an ever-shifting roster of 100 musicians, artists, poets, dancers and other creative talents will perform--simultaneously—in every nook and cranny of Unity Temple.

MOMENTA Repertoire Ensemble :: Moving in Parallel
Saturday, October 17, 3 pm
Sunday, October 18, 3 pm
Cost :: $15 / $20

In 1913, 18-year-old Doris Humphrey danced in Unity Temple. Humphrey would become a pioneer of modern dance and one of the greatest choreographers of the 20th century, her stirring and passionate works reflecting her credo: “to find a perfect union between the inner thought and outer form.” MOMENTA Repertoire Ensemble will revive three historic Humphrey dances--Air for the G String (1928), Two Ecstatic Themes (1931), and The Call/Breath of Fire (1929-30)--and premiere a new work inspired by Unity Temple.

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break :: the :: box is made possible by generous grants from the Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts, the Illinois Arts Council and the MacArthur Funds for Arts and Culture at the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation.