COURTESY OF THE FRANK LLOYD TRUST
Two poets who inspired Frank Lloyd Wright and his architectural works will be the topic of a September presentation sponsored by the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust at the Wright-designed Unity Temple in Oak Park.
Emerson and Whitman: The Poets Who Inspired Wright, 7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 4, at Unity Temple, 875 Lake St, Oak Park, will combine readings of poetry by Walt Whitman and Ralph Waldo Emerson, whose philosophies had a profound influence on Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural practice.
Scholar Karen Karbiener will describe how a religious and philosophical movement, which emphasized individualism and self-realization, permeated American art, architecture and literature in the 19th century. These concepts guided Wright in the design of Unity Temple for Oak Park’s Unitarian congregation.
An expert on 19th century American literature and culture, Karbiener has written and lectured extensively on Walt Whitman’s life and writings. She teaches at New York University and Columbia University. She received the John H. Kluge Fellowship at the Library of Congress, a Fulbright grant and a Huntington Library Fellowship.
This event launches an eclectic mix of public events scheduled for Thursday nights this fall at Unity Temple, including Concerts in Context, a music series; Emerging Chicago Artists series, a collaboration between writers and musicians; and Handcrafted Holidays adult workshops.
Admission to Emerson and Whitman: The Poets Who Inspired Wright is $12 and $8 for Frank Lloyd Wright Trust members. For more information, visit flwright.org under Adult Programs.