This family-friendly, immersive experience is free to attend, but an advance reservation for an entry time slot is required. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, visitors are encouraged to explore the grounds to find an array of performances, hands-on crafts, and demonstrations with Foundation staff members, including:
- Discover the magic of ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, in a demonstration with local expert Linnea Storm. Guests will explore the various ways branches, leaves, blossoms and stems can be arranged to create living masterpieces.
- Learn about the chemical process used to create a blueprint, called a “cyanotype”, in an arts and crafts activity. Visitors will have the opportunity to be an architect for the day and create their own basic blueprint that they can take home.
- The Collections Department selection will feature the rarely shown personal creative work of the Fellowship and some intriguing textile stencils from Wright’s Japanese art collection, among other items.
- Unearth the obstacles and techniques used by the Foundation’s Preservation Team to reinterpret and restore Taliesin West. Guests will be walked through current projects to dive into the methods and research utilized to ensure any renovations using contemporary materials can withstand the harsh desert climate while remaining authentic to Wright’s original designs.
- Learn more about how the designs of Wright and the Fellowship are adapted into current day products, including clothing, jewelry, housewares, furniture and more.
- CONDER/dance, an Arizona-based contemporary dance company, will showcase choreography inspired by Wright’s life, creativity and philosophies from the Prow and Sunset Terrace — providing the perfect harmony between the dance, Wright’s architecture and the views of the surrounding desert scenery.
- Check out the artisan panel discussion for an inside look into the inspiration and innovation showcased by several of the artists whose creations can be found within the Frank Lloyd Wright Store, including:
- Jason Catlin, jewelry designer for Cosanti Originals
- John Tuomisto-Bell, bronze sculpture artist and owner of Tuomisto Bell Studio Foundry
- Enjoy a live taiko drumming performance as Ken Koshio, a world-class practitioner of this Japanese style of music, takes guests on a journey through this ancient art.
- Grab a bite to eat from one of the various food trucks while listening to some live music at the Garden Squares.
“Discovery Days offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience Taliesin West in a new light, as well as the chance to uncover more about Wright’s rich history and lasting impact,” said Alex Freyermuth, the manager of cultural programs at the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. “We hope that guests will walk away feeling inspired and with a newfound appreciation for the intersection of art and architecture, as well as a deeper understanding of how they influence each other.”
About the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation
The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, established by Wright in 1940, is dedicated to preserving Taliesin and Taliesin West, both on the UNESCO World Heritage List, for future generations, and inspiring people to discover and embrace architecture for better living through meaningful connections to nature, the arts, and each other. The Foundation continues the Frank Lloyd Wright legacy by broadening access to his ideas, works, and organic design principles — considered just as relevant today as in his own time — and provides new pathways for audiences to create beauty and connectedness in their own lives. Conveniently located 20 minutes north of historic Old Town Scottsdale, Taliesin West was recently named among the top 10% of attractions worldwide by TripAdvisor.
Featured image from Shutterstock.