As the idea for the Kirkwood Historical Society Home Tour started to take shape, my friend Cindy Roeser, owner of Roeser Home Remodeling, thought to include Kirkwood artist Mark Borella, owner of Seeds of Happiness. Perhaps Mark could make a special Seed of Happiness house for the event. Mark had a better idea in mind.
While Mark is known around the world for spreading smiles with his colorful and quirky clay seeds of happiness, he is also known for his artistry, which includes fine art paintings, drawings, and photography. When Mark heard about the Home Tour, he knew exactly how to create a sense of pride in our community. Starting with the sidewalks that lead up to the houses featured on the Home Tour, Mark brilliantly captures the angles and the details. While the home's design is the focal point, it's impossible not to notice the pathways that flow from the houses onto the sidewalks that connect us.
Describing his drawing of the Studio Lark house, Mark commented, "This house is fascinating. I couldn't figure out the lines. Then, I drew my way to the answer. This house is Frank Lloyd Wright/Mondrian/Mid-Century and Japanese. It's very complex within its visual simplicity. It's a marvel to look at as you walk by."
Here is a sneak peek of a few of Mark's drawings for the note cards included with a home tour ticket.
When I look at these drawings of the new and historic houses, I feel grateful, hopeful, and joyful about the home we are creating at 408 Gill. The transformation project promises to merge the old and the new, and it will be exciting to see the final results. You can be sure our home will be ready for the next Kirkwood Historical Society Home Tour. Until then, come say "Hi" as I welcome Home Tourists into one of the two beautiful Herring Design and Development homes featured on the tour.
The Kirkwood Historical Society Home Tour, "Building for the next 100 Years," is Saturday, December 2nd, from 1 - 5 p.m. Tickets are still available for purchase online from the Kirkwood Historical Society kirkwoodhistoricalsociety.com.
Trisha McConkey features stories about people, places, and things related to the home. Follow Trisha on Facebook and Instagram at @HomeWorkWithTrisha and @408GillAve.