Announcing American Modern book launch events in Columbus and Indianapolis
Events will feature the authors and book signing; created in partnership with Heritage Fund, Indiana Humanities, Bartholomew County Public Library, and Christian Theological Seminary; July 10 and 11.
Columbus, Indiana — Landmark Columbus Foundation announces two events in Indiana that will launch the publication of American Modern: Architecture, Community, Columbus, Indiana. Both events are held at iconic architecture locations, presented for free, and created in partnership with Heritage Fund and Indiana Humanities.
Each event will feature presentations by the books’ authors, Matt Shaw and Iwan Baan, along with designer Alex Lin of Studio Lin. After the presentations, there will be a conversation with the authors and attendees. Additionally, self-guided building tours will begin at 4:00 pm, and a cash bar will be available at 5:00 pm. Landmark Columbus Foundation will be offering limited-edition posters for contributions to the organization. Viewpoint Books, a Columbus-based independent bookstore, will have American Modern for purchase.
“American Modern is the single most important publication about Columbus, Indiana. It will change how people understand this city and its design legacy,” says Richard McCoy, executive director of Landmark Columbus Foundation. “We are so proud to work with Matt Shaw, Iwan Baan, and Studio Lin to produce this book with The Monacelli Press.”
This book is the first comprehensive look at how architecture, design, and art have been used to foster the growth of one of America’s most important cities, Columbus, Indiana. With a wealth of never-before-seen archival material and nearly 100 first-hand interviews, American Modern shows the remarkable story of how local industrialists brought in world-class modern architects to create “the best community of its size in the country.”
The monograph will be published as an ongoing remembrance of the City of Columbus’ 2021 Bicentennial activities and in association with Landmark Columbus Foundation, the civic organization behind the progress of the preservation and promotion of the city’s architectural heritage, as well as the producer of the acclaimed program Exhibit Columbus, a two-year cycle of events that uses the context of Columbus to host conversations around innovative ideas and then commissions site-responsive installations in a free, public exhibition.
“We’re so proud to have the story of the Columbus community so beautifully written and illustrated. This book will play a huge role in continuing the legacy that began here with so many forward-thinking, generous, and thoughtful people,” said Tracy Souza, president and CEO of Heritage Fund.
Funding for American Modern has come from the generous support of Heritage Fund, Lilly Endowment Inc., Johnson Ventures, Columbus Area Visitors Center, and many other individuals, foundations, and corporations.
“This monograph highlights Columbus, one of Indiana’s greatest cities, and attests to the critical role the humanities play in shaping our communities and society,” said Keira Amstutz, president and CEO of Indiana Humanities.
Event Details
Wednesday, July 10, 2024
The Former North Christian Church
850 Tipton Ln, Columbus, Indiana 47201
In partnership with Bartholomew County Public Library and Indiana Humanities
Bartholomew County Public Library board members unanimously agreed to accept the gift of the former North Christian Church building and property. The building ceased to be the church's home in the summer of 2022. The non-profit Columbus Capital Foundation stepped in to acquire the building until an appropriate entity could take over the property designed by globally known architect Eero Saarinen with a landscape by Dan Kiley.
4 pm – 5:45 pm
Self-guided tours of the Former North Christian Church. Bartholomew County Public Library staff will be available as guides along the tour.
5 pm – 6 pm
Reception in the lobby.
6 pm – 7:30 pm
Program with special guests from the book and our partners.
7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Book signing in the chapel with the author, photographer, and designer.
Thursday, July 11, 2024
Christian Theological Seminary
1000 W 42nd St, Indianapolis, Indiana 46208
In partnership with Indiana Humanities and Christian Theological Seminary
Situated on the near northwest side of Indianapolis along the southeast bank of the Indianapolis Central Canal, the master plan for this ecumenical seminary was commissioned in 1961. It was funded in part by a two-million-dollar donation from the Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Foundation. J. Irwin Miller, a major patron of modern art, architecture, and landscape architecture, recommended that Dan Kiley be engaged in designing the seminary grounds. The 35-acre gently sloping campus was constructed in phases from 1964 to 1987. Kiley’s grand courtyard is bookended to the southeast and north by two prominent Edward Larrabee Barnes structures: the Modern classroom building and the Postmodern Sweeney Chapel and bell tower (added 1984–1987), which hangs dramatically over a bluff facing the Central Canal and White River. The courtyard’s internal pedestrian circulation is axial, creating formal turf gardens linked to sidewalks that connect with perimeter paths and drives lined with double allées of London plane trees. The campus is the only example of Kiley’s work in Indianapolis.
4 pm – 5:45 pm
Self-guided tours around the Christian Theological Seminary.
5 pm – 6 pm
Reception in the common room.
6 pm – 7:30 pm
Program with special guests from the book and our partnerships.
7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Book signing in the lobby with the author, photographer, and designer.
About the Authors
Author Matt Shaw—a Columbus native—is a writer, editor, and educator. The former executive editor of The Architect’s Newspaper, his writing has appeared in the New York Times, The Guardian, Architectural Review, Domus, and Artforum.
The book features newly commissioned photography from Iwan Baan, a photographer whose work focuses on the intersection of architecture and the social fabric, and has been published in books and periodicals internationally.
Studio Lin is a NYC-based graphic design practice established in 2012 by Alex Lin. The studio focuses on long-term collaborations where graphic design can have a meaningful impact both locally and internationally. Many of their clients are engaged in art and design, where projects are often more collaborative than commissioned.
→ For press and media, download this link to access author portraits, event graphics, and book cover.
Media Contact
Jamie Goldsborough
jamie@landmarkcolumbus.org
About Landmark Columbus Foundation
Landmark Columbus Foundation (LCF) cares for, celebrates, and advances the cultural heritage of Columbus, Indiana. To fulfill its mission, LCF directs two locally engaged and globally connected programs that are interwoven in their impact and networks: Exhibit Columbus and Columbus Design Institute. landmarkcolumbusfoundation.org
About Heritage Fund
Heritage Fund was formed in 1976 as a community foundation with the purpose of continuing a legacy of giving by providing an opportunity for all citizens to make gifts and establish charitable funds to benefit the local community. Our mission is to inspire generosity; gather and grow community leaders; and to act to ensure that Bartholomew County is an exceptional place for all to live, learn, work and play. heritagefundbc.org
About Indiana Humanities
Indiana Humanities connects people, opens minds and enriches lives by creating and facilitating programs that encourage Hoosiers to think, read and talk. Learn more at IndianaHumanities.org.
About Bartholomew County Public Library
The Bartholomew County Public Library is the community crossroads- connecting people, ideas, information, and experiences to empower everyone on their journey of lifelong learning. mybcpl.com
About Christian Theological Seminary
Christian Theological Seminary is an academic learning community with graduate programs through its School of Theology and School of Counseling, accessible mental health services through the Counseling Center, and collaboration to mitigate poverty through the Faith & Action Project. cts.edu
