Last
year the Ridge Historical Society presented the first
"Small Wonder - An Exploration of Architecture and
Interior Design in Miniature." The exhibit was so popular,
it has been brought back through a grant from Lori and Ed
McGunn.
On
the exhibit until Jan.16, Small Wonder reinforces
the community's appreciation of its remarkable
architecture. For the exhibit, the Ridge Historical
Society is filled to the rafters with new dollhouses and
miniatures, the most charming of old dollhouses and
diminutive toys, WWII models of airplanes, tanks and
battleships, both new and old, a variety of reduced-scale
pieces used over time for myriad purposes, and more.
“This
effort truly has something for everyone, and you must see
it to believe the exquisite detail of many of these pieces
held in private collections and rarely on display to the
public,” said Linda Lamberty of the RHS.
This year's exhibit includes an example of local
architecture of the same style as each dollhouse
displayed, with an explanation of that style.
Architecture and interior design will be displayed to
reflect the lifestyles of the people who would have lived
in the houses.
Visit
Small Wonder on Tues. and Thurs., from 2 to 5 p.m., and
Sun., from noon to 5 p.m. RHS is also open by
appointment and encourages schools and s groups to arrange
for a special visit by calling 773-881-1675. Admission to
Small Wonder is free.
Other
programs that will be held in conjunction with Small
Wonder include the following.
On Dec. 12, the RHS program features Carol Flynn,
president of Life's Little Treasures LLC and an RHS board
member, explaining Victorian lifestyles through the use of
miniature scenes.
Children
are invited to participate in a coloring contest,
decorating Jack Simmerling’s drawing of the unique Blake
House, designed by H. H. Waterman. All entries must be
submitted by Jan. 4 and winners will be announced on the
closing day of the Small Wonder exhibit. Cash prizes will
be awarded to the entries judged the best in any medium,
broken down into four age groups. Drawing and entry forms
must be picked up in person from Driscoll House, 10621 S.
Seeley Ave.
On Fri., Dec. 10 at 4 p.m., there will be a
gingerbread workshop at St. Paul's Bible Church, 1960
W. 94th St. Call 773-881-1675 to reserve a
space.
On Sun., Jan. 9, RHS will present an afternoon with
Hank Kupjack, Jr., whose family was commissioned by
Narcissa Thorne to create and maintain the exquisite
Thorne Rooms at the Art Institute of Chicago. Kupjack will
present slides and display some of the family's miniature
scenes.
The
Ridge Historical Society is located in the Driscoll
House, 10621 S. Seeley Ave. For more
information or to loan a dollhouse or donate time, call
RHS 773-881-1675.
