Join us in exploring the connections between architecture, art, and nature in this informal conversation series! In Conversation brings together a speaker who will share their passion for the topic with our host and you. Ask questions and share your own experience, while learning something new, and engage with others.
This season, four sessions will be in person, and four will be online. For those who wish to attend a program in person, ask questions, and engage with others, our onsite offerings will allow for a casual, interactive format. For those who can’t make it to our Arizona site, our online offerings will provide the opportunity to listen to conversations on a wide range of topics and to pose your own questions to the speaker.
Details:
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Includes access to program area only.
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In-person programs will be held indoors.
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This is not a formal tour of Taliesin West. Please consider purchasing a Tour if you would like to see more of the property.
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Links for virtual programs will be sent via email in advance.
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If you have any questions about Cultural Programs at Taliesin West, please refer to our FAQ.
Dates:
Dates vary see individual program listings.
In-Person Program Price:
Adults $35
Students (13-25 with student ID) $24
Members $31.50
Online Program Price:
Adults $25
Students (13-25 with student ID) $17
Members $22.50
Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation Members receive discounts on Cultural Programs, have access to special Member-Only programs, and more. Learn about Membership here.
Sir Jonathan Bate on Arcadia and Idealized Landscapes
November 2, 2023
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Cabaret Theater
When we think of the landscapes of the stories we tell, they are often lush, beautiful, and at one with nature. Join us as Sir Jonathan Bate, Foundation Professor of Environmental Humanities in Global Futures, the School of Sustainability, and the College of Liberal Arts, discusses the literary concept of Arcadia, idealized landscapes, and how that shapes our stories of the West.
Ron Broglio on Desert Animals
December 7, 2023
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Cabaret Theater
Residents and visitors to the Sonoran Desert know it is filled with creatures and critters of all shapes and sizes. What we don’t think about is how those animals impact our lives, and how our lives impact theirs. Join us as Director of the Institute for Humanities Research at Arizona State University, Ron Broglio, discusses his work in animal studies and animal rights and grants us the opportunity to learn about ways we can rethink our relationship to nature through creatively engaging with animals and landscapes.
Adam Nocek on the Shaping Impact of Architecture and Design
February 1, 2024
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Cabaret Theater
Have you ever thought about how the architecture and design of spaces and objects around you shape who you are and how you think? Join us as Adam Nocek, Associate Professor in the Philosophy of Technology and Science and Technology Studies in the School of Arts, Media and Engineering at Arizona State University, discusses the shaping impact of architecture and design.
Agapita Judy Lopez on Georgia O’Keeffe
March 7, 2024
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Cabaret Theatre
American Icons: Frank Lloyd Wright and Georgia O’Keeffe explores the similarities and differences between two American masters, born in Wisconsin, who found homes in the Desert Southwest, as captured through the lens of photographer Tony Vaccaro. Join us as Agapita “Pita” Judy Lopez discusses her time as working at Georgia O’Keeffe’s home Abiquiú as O’Keeffe’s secretary and companion, and her close relationship with Ms. O’Keeffe.
Frank Vaccaro on Tony Vaccaro
October 5, 2024
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
American Icons: Wright & O’Keeffe explores the similarities and differences between two American masters, born in Wisconsin, who found homes in the Desert Southwest, as captured through the lens of photographer Tony Vaccaro. Before American Icons debuts at Taliesin West, listen as Vaccaro’s son Frank discusses his father’s work and legacy.
Frank Vaccaro is the eldest child of photographer Michael A. “Tony” Vaccaro and Marimekko model Anja Kyllikki Lehto. He was born in Rome, Italy, in 1965 while his father was on assignment. Frank came of age surrounded by the stories and images that make up the Tony Vaccaro collection of photographs. After graduating Stony Brook University in 1988, Frank managed bars and restaurants in New York City before joining Pepsi Cola in 1994. For the last eighteen years, Frank has been the elected representative for over 150 unionized workers there.
At his father’s request, Frank and his wife Maria created and launched the Tony Vaccaro Studio in 2015. The studio organizes over 800,000 images, and partners with the Monroe Gallery of Photography in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Upon Tony Vaccaro’s passing last year, Frank and his wife created the Tony Vaccaro Archive in Long Island City, Queens.
Frank Vaccaro
Ayad Rahmani on Wright and Emerson
January 11, 2024
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
In his life, Wright would famously name only three influences: the Froebel gifts, Louis Sullivan, and the Japanese Woodblock Print. However, it is clear that literary and cultural works of his time also impacted his work and perspective. Join us as Washington State University Architecture Professor, Ayad Rahmani, discusses his new research and book on Frank Lloyd Wright and Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Christine Madrid French on Classic Film, Architecture, and the Villain’s Lair
April 18, 2024
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
If Wright was the greatest architect of the 20th century, then Hitchcock was likely the greatest director. Join us as Christine Madrid French discusses her new book, The Architecture of Suspense, and how architecture, specifically the villain’s lair, becomes a character in Hitchcock’s classic films.
Mark Borthwick on Mamah Borthwick
May 23, 2024
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
In Wright’s life story, a key (though briefly mentioned) character emerges: Mamah Borthwick. Mired with scandal and tragedy, Borthwick’s life is often simplified and sidelined. However, outside of the media frenzy that surrounded her relationship and untimely death was a life filled with bravery, accomplishment, and trailblazing work. Join us as Mark Borthwick discusses his book on Ms. Borthwick, A Brave and Lovely Woman: Mamah Borthwick and Frank Lloyd Wright.
Private Events at Taliesin West
Hosting your event at this architectural icon will be a special and memorable experience for your guests. For those who value one-of-a-kind experiences in iconic environments, Taliesin West is both a National Historic Landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Taliesin West may not be used for birthday parties, reunions, wedding receptions, external customer marketing events or events that are political or religious in nature.
