Architecture, Art, and History in Chicago

by Erin McGrath   

Attending the Victorian Society of America (VSA) Chicago Summer School was an engaging experience that allowed me to build upon my educational foundation within interior design and within my professional interests in art and historic preservation. I am grateful for a scholarship from the Decorative Art Trust, which allowed me to immerse myself in a dynamic educational program focused on 19th- and 20th-century architecture and design (figure 1). Encouraged by the schedule’s swift pace and a carefully curated itinerary, our cohort explored prominent structures and iconic objects that shaped Chicago.

The program brought together a balanced and cohesive curriculum from which we came to understand the built city. The innovations and new materials introduced in the era  fostered the rapid growth of a prosperous city, establishing itself as a central transportation hub for the United States. Living in Dubuque, IA, approximately 185 miles from Chicago, I could visualize how the two cities were connected through transportation. Highlights included attending lectures given by colleagues within the cultural community, touring the Rookery (figure 2) with preservation architects, and learning about Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie Style architecture. While visiting institutions like the Art Institute, Driehaus Museum, and Madlener House, we were able to connect with their teams and learn about different preservation strategies. The program featured exclusive tours led by experts accessing spaces the public does not experience, which provided for dialogue and engagement to maximize our experience.

In Chicago, we were surrounded by diverse participants and hosts who shared in-depth information and interpretation as well as concepts and plans that we could openly discuss. With a cohort of 12, we were able to offer stories from our past experiences and gain insight from one another. A program is only as strong as the people who contribute to the experience; our community of successful, passionate individuals with similar interests in architecture, art, and history contributed to this special opportunity.

I gained a greater understanding of Chicago’s architecture and history, including how events shaped the city we witness and enjoy today. Learning about the architectural materials and infrastructures that revolutionized cities globally, I deepened my appreciation of the methods and maintenance of the built environment and the communities that occupy urban neighborhoods. I returned to Heritage Works in Dubuque with a greater ability to help contribute to local preservation efforts. I assist with research and education through our ArchiTrek program, an architectural walking tour of Dubuque, and my experience in Chicago will help me reframe future tours. This program has significantly contributed to my foundation of knowledge for future studies within the fields of historic preservation, architecture, interior design, and art. The professional connections I made attending the VSA Summer School will be invaluable as future resources. I greatly appreciate the opportunity through the Trust’s Emerging Scholars Program.

Erin McGrath is an administrative associate for Heritage Works and a gallery representative for Outside the Lines art gallery.