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.

Zack Browning is an Associate Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois and founder and former director of the Salvatore Martirano Memorial Composition Award. Besides being a composer, he is an accomplished trumpet player, having played in the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and an enthusiastic jazz/funk piano player, having played in several jazz trios. Browning also played, coached, and officiated soccer for over 20 years. His original compositions can be found on several albums, including five portrait albums.

Released this past February, Zack’s recent album, Rock Galaxy has earned international acclaim, with reviews highlighting its surreal, genre-defying nature. The recording features collaborations with 20 musicians from Central Illinois, including the Millikin University Percussion Ensemble, the Eastern Illinois University Woodwind Quintet, and the Jupiter String Quartet. Publications like Amplified and the Recording Artists Guild Digital Magazine praise Browning's ability to blend sophisticated art music with accessible energy.

Since the 1980’s, Zack has used planetary magic squares as a source of musical material and organization. Browning explains. "In 2008, I discovered the Flying Star System of feng shui, which uses the rotations of the 3x3 Lo Shu Square to predict and represent the flow of energy. This discovery allowed me to personalize commissions based on the energy from birth dates and significant events. I also incorporate the magic square of the ruling planet for those dates. The compositions on Rock Galaxy adhere to these feng shui principles. Thanks to the Illinois Arts Council's Creative Accelerator Grant, I was able to document and distribute this album on Neuma Records, showcasing the talents of Central Illinois musicians."