A signing and discussion of the new coffee table book “American Modern: Architecture, Community, Columbus Indiana” will take place next week at the former North Christian Church building, 850 Tipton Lane in Columbus.
An already nationally released coffee table book on the extensive story of Columbus and its Modernist architectural foundation could help the city turn the page on a whole new group of devotees to the community’s design stature.
That is part of the early reaction to “American Modern: Architecture, Community, Columbus, Indiana” by Columbus native and veteran architecture writer Matt Shaw, with photos by internationally celebrated photographer Iwan Baan and graphics by Alex Lin of Studio Lin in Brooklyn, N.Y.
They will speak and sign copies of the book at Landmark Columbus Foundation’s special, free event July 10 at the former North Christian Church building, 850 Tipton Lane in Columbus.
In a Republic interview last month, an understated Shaw spoke with optimism about the work’s release.
“Fingers crossed that it makes an impact,” he said.
Erin Hawkins, director of strategic partnerships and communications for the Columbus Area Visitors Center, is among those excited by the book’s buzz.
“All of us at the visitors center are eagerly awaiting the arrival of ‘American Modern,’” Hawkins said. “I can’t wait to get my hands on it. Books about Columbus and Bartholomew County architecture are the number one seller in our gift shop. Visitors want to walk away with a reminder of all they saw while they were here.
“We’re especially excited about the high caliber of product we can expect from the duo of Matt Shaw and Iwan Baan, two remarkable talents in their respective fields. I understand the book is already for sale at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, so it’s wonderful to think of new people learning about our community for the first time.”
At the July 10 event, in partnership with Heritage Fund, Indiana Humanities, and the Bartholomew County Public Library, self-guided building tours will begin at 4 p.m., and a cash bar will be available at 5 p.m.
A reception will unfold in the lobby from 5 to 6 pm. The program featuring the book trio will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. And the book signing will be from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Landmark Columbus Foundation will be offering limited-edition posters for contributions to the organization. Viewpoint Books, local, independent bookstore, will have copies of the book for purchase.
“We’re very thrilled about it,” said Beth Stroh, Viewpoint’s co-owner.
And no wonder. Landmark Columbus Foundation has been promoting the book for more than a year.
“‘American Modern’ is the single most important publication about Columbus, Indiana. It will change how people understand this city and its design legacy,” said Richard McCoy, executive director of Landmark Columbus Foundation, in a news release.
Landmark leaders say that the book “is the first comprehensive look at how architecture, design, and art have been used to foster the growth of Columbus.”
With a wealth of never-before-seen archival material and nearly 100 first-hand interviews, “American Modern” highlights the story of how local industrialists brought in world-class modern architects to create what longtime corporate and community leader J. Irwin Miller said should be “the best community of its size in the country.”
Tracy Souza, president and chief executive officer of The Heritage Fund — the Community Foundation of Bartholomew County, mentioned that the book will have a substantial impact.
“We’re so proud to have the story of the Columbus community so beautifully written and illustrated,” Souza said in a news release. “This book will play a huge role in continuing the legacy that began here with so many forward-thinking, generous, and thoughtful people.”
Funding for “American Modern” has come from the support of Heritage Fund, Lilly Endowment Inc., Johnson Ventures, Columbus Area Visitors Center, and many other individuals, foundations, and corporations.
A similar gathering for the book will be held July 11 at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis.
