Photo courtesy of Preservation Dallas.
Preservation Dallas will host “An Evening of Art and Architecture” on April 3 to celebrate the work of Frank Welch.
Welch, who was 90 when he died in 2017, was better known as the dean of Texas architecture. His various projects are seen in churches, residences and schools including several buildings on the Lamplighter School campus. Along with his memoir, On Becoming an Architect, published in 2014, Welch’s other accolades include the 1997 Medal for Lifetime Achievement from the Texas Society of Architects for his ‘60s minimalist ranch shelter called The Birthday.
The event will be held at the Janus House, a house designed by Welch in 1985, located near Hillcrest. The Janus House is the recipient of the 2024 Preservation Achievement Award in the new Legacy Architect category.
Covering over 6,300 square feet and featuring a patio overlooking a creek, the house underwent remodeling in 2021 by Stacy Jacobsen of SJ Studio, while retaining most of its original features, including two koi ponds at the front entry.
Inside, the walls display an extensive art collection, including artwork from Dallas-based gallery sponsor Talley Dunn, antiques from JF Chen showroom in Los Angeles and a commissioned painting from artist and Preservation Dallas board member Erika Huddleston. The artwork displayed will be available for purchase, with a portion of proceeds benefiting Preservation Dallas.
The event is sponsored by several home design companies, including The Hudson Company, Farrow & Ball Paint, Bulthaup Kitchens,and De La Vega Designs, all of whom will be in attendance.
Speakers for the evening event include Dallas architects Marc McCollom and Bentley Tibbs, both of whom collaborated closely with Welch. The event will run from 6 to 9 p.m., with speakers beginning at 7 p.m., and will feature light refreshments.
Attendees will receive a discount on tickets for the 25th Annual Preservation Achievement Awards ceremony, to be held at the Kalita Humphrey Theatre on Tuesday, May 21.
