MARQUETTE, Mich.—Marquette native John Lautner (1911-1994) is considered one of the most visionary architects of the 20th century. He was a Taliesin Fellow under Frank Lloyd Wright in Wisconsin before settling in Los Angeles for an extended career defined primarily by his residential work. Lautner is the subject of two exhibits in his hometown. Opening receptions for both are scheduled on Friday, Sept. 2.

The DeVos Art Museum at Northern Michigan University—Lautner’s alma mater—is focusing on the architect’s creative process and professional contributions. The Marquette Regional History Center will explore the impact of family, art and the Upper Peninsula environment on his life and work.

            The NMU reception runs from 6-8 p.m. and the MRHC event is scheduled from 7-9 p.m. As a prelude to both events, Frank Escher will give a presentation at 5 p.m. in Art and Design room 165 at NMU. Escher is principal in the firm Escher GuneWardena Architecture, which oversaw the restoration of one of Lautner's most famous residential buildings, the Chemosphere. Escher also edited the monograph titled John Lautner, Architect. He serves on the board of directors of the John Lautner Foundation and has lectured extensively on Lautner's work.

The receptions are supported by American Institute of Architects (AIA) Upper Peninsula. For more information, visit www.nmu.edu/devos or www.marquettecohistory.org.