Russel Wright Design Center, Manitoga

This celebration of Russel Wright's design genius combines a pragmatic approach to content delivery with an organic, formal language. Located in the family home, this installation of over 200 iconic works demonstrates how the Wrights forged a modern American lifestyle. These everyday objects embody the connection of nature, art, and design with bold materiality, color, and form.

Design Intent: The gentle curvature of the gallery's installation armature—domestic in scale and built in the warm-toned oak responsive to the rural site—echoes the geometry and physicality of many Wright designs. A large, oval-shaped display table centers the gallery with a didactic timeline of signature work. The three surrounding walls offer three purely visual narratives based on color, form, and pattern.

Our unique creation of a circular timeline perfectly reflects the organic tone. A central pyramid of plinths makes it easy to see all the works. An elegant detail at the edge cuts in a linear organization of chronological labels. Their transparency allows the wood grain to come through while providing text and images.

Installation: The entire display armature is constructed in rift-cut, natural oak. The detailing carefully hides fasteners for assembly, mounting, and security, so there is no visual distraction from the objects. The interpretative texts are minimal yet informative. They are printed on transparent substrates.

Living with Nature: Landscape is integral to Wright's design vision. Our new window system is lighter and more open to views. Now, visitors can overlook the quarry, keeping nature front and center. Conversely, from the woods, we see the gallery nestled into the house. The warm glow of the lighting furthers the feeling of connectivity.

Impact: As this is the only comprehensive show of Wright's design ideas, we carried his ideas into every aspect of this (400SF) gallery. The gallery renovation scope also includes an ADA restroom and catering kitchen, allowing Manitoga to expand its educational programs and community events. Andy Warhol, the great popularizer of popular culture, says, "Fiestaware was too expensive, and who's good after him [Wright]? My favorite color is gray."