Supporting Illinois' Arts Sector

The Edith Farnsworth House, located in Plano, Illinois, is a celebrated example of modernist architecture designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Built between 1946 and 1951, the house was originally commissioned by Dr. Edith Farnsworth as a weekend retreat. Its minimalist design, featuring continuous glass walls and a steel frame, exemplifies the International Style and has earned it National Historic Landmark status. Situated on a 62-acre site along the Fox River, the house has been a public site since 2004, attracting visitors worldwide with its unique blend of art, architecture, and nature.

In 2026, the Edith Farnsworth House begins its Farnsworth Forward initiative, commemorating 75 years of this iconic structure. The season will focus on Mexican Modernism, exploring its connections to global modernist movements and its dialogue with Mies van der Rohe's architectural principles. This exploration will be enriched through exhibitions featuring Mexican artists and programs fostering cross-cultural exchanges, providing visitors with new insights into the evolution and relevance of modernism today.

As the season unfolds, Executive Director Scott Mehaffey emphasizes the importance of this milestone: "Rather than looking back, we're future-focused, inviting diverse creatives and larger audiences to be part of contemporary meaning-making at our museum." Now running through November 22, the 2026 season offers tours Wednesday through Sunday, providing an opportunity to experience the house and its various programs. Follow the link below for more information.

Maria Burundarena, a visual artist and educator, was born in 1989 in Paris, France, and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She is currently based in Chicago, USA, where she focuses on creating installations using large-scale printed images, light projection, and reflective materials. With a background in textile design and photography, Maria has developed diverse narratives through various mediums such as garments, sculptures, and LED screens. She holds a BFA in fashion design from the Universidad de Buenos Aires and an MFA in fiber and material studies from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where she also lectures in the Contemporary Practices Department.

Maria's piece Cuatro suma cuatro cuadrados is part of the exhibition Alberto Aguilar: I just really want to tell you this one thing, currently at the Chicago Cultural Center through August 23, 2026. This work reinterprets Aguilar's painting through a large-scale pattern composed of digitally processed images. Maria is also participating in the Walldrawing exhibition at the Evanston Art Center alongside Friedhard Kiekeben from April 25 to May 17, 2026. Her work in this exhibition explores reflective and mirrored spaces, LED light intervention, and site-specific installations.

Maria received an IAC Creative Catalyst Grant in 2025. The grant facilitated her acquisition of new digital equipment and supported the development of large-scale installations, including Broken glass shines like thunderstorm lighting (pictured above). Says Maria, "As an active visual artist making work in and for Chicago, this grant has allowed me to continue developing large-scale work. It has made me feel seen and supported, affirming the work of visual artists in this community."