Shining Brow Awards

On Friday, October 19th the Hillside Drafting Studio was transformed into an inspiring space to recognize the winners of the Shining Brow Awards. We are still reeling from the culinary magic, thoughtful awards program, and fantastic musical entertainment that brought Wright’s Hillside Drafting Studio to life.

In honor of Frank Lloyd Wright’s legacy this year’s Shining Brow Award Winner is Arthur Dyson and this year’s Emeritus Board member inductees are, David Uihlein, Jr., and Minerva Montooth. They were selected for their profound, enduring creative and professional excellence in architecture and the allied arts and sciences.

Arthur Dyson studied as a Frank Lloyd Wright apprentice for almost a year before Wright’s death, and later studied under Bruce Goff. Wright reportedly said Goff was “one of the few creative U.S. architects.” Dyson launched his own California-based firm in 1969 and started winning numerous architectural design awards in the 1980s. Beyond architectural achievement, Dyson’s community involvement made him a clear choice for the Shining Brow award. He’s worked with the Audubon Society, California Arts Council, Fresno Historic Preservation, United States Green Building Council and many more.

Minerva Montooth, Taliesin’s longest-standing resident, has lived and worked on the estate since 1947. While she currently serves as the Director of Social Events, Montooth originally worked as Mrs. Wright’s assistant for 25 of years. Montooth is also one of the few remaining individuals who knew Mr. & Mrs. Wright personally. The Emeritus Board distinction recognizes her enduring commitment to making Taliesin a true living legacy to Frank Lloyd Wright and Taliesin Preservation.

David Uihlein Jr. was instrumental in developing the very idea of “Taliesin Preservation” in 1990. Wisconsin roots and a dynamic architectural career provided Uihlein ideal insight to develop Taliesin Preservation as a Wisconsin-based organization for education and preservation of the Taliesin estate. The Shining Brow Award commemorates the Taliesin Preservation’s gratitude toward his significant contributions during his 13-year board tenure. Uihlein facilitated massive site stabilization and base restoration work, positioning Taliesin Preservation for future renewal projects.

Chef Luke Zahm presented culinary wizardry (dare we say alchemy!) as he served up the most passionate and complete embodiment of Frank Lloyd Wright’s legacy ever envisioned on the dinner table. We can’t express our gratitude enough for your meticulous preparation and thoughtful execution. thank you for taking the culinary apprentices from the Riverview Terrace Cafe along for the ride. Kyle Cherek of Wisconsin Foodie delighted us with his sentiments as our emcee and Max Weinberg of the E Street Band brought everyone to their feet and brought the dance floor to life.

2018 Shining Brow Award Sponsors

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsors
Karen Ellzey & Tim Wright
Hurtado Zimmerman SC

Hosts
Aris Georges | OM Studio Design
Jeff & Lynne Grip
Daniel & Linda Marquardt
Mark & Julie Schmitz | ZEBRADOG
Ray Lipman & Mary Sander
James Tye & Gabriel Neves