The Friends of Wausau Historic Landmarks are celebrating May Historic Preservation Month with a night of presentations about architecture. Voices of Preservation: Live is set for Friday, May 9 beginning at 6 pm in the lower level of the former Whitewater Music Hall (130 N. First Street) in Wausau.
The event will begin with Ben Tyjeski, the owner and artist behind Tyjeski Tile Company of Milwaukee, exploring the use of art tiles and terracotta in the River Cities. Ben douments the use of art tiles and architectural terracotta in historic buildings. Beyond creating a record of the historic tiles, he uses it to raise awareness and advocate against the loss of these historic pieces of art. Often these historic tiles are also the inspiration for the tiles he creates today.
The Tyjeski Tile Company (Tyjeskitile.com) is known for its art tiles that pull from the past, yet still functional in today’s spaces. Ben believes that this tradition does not need to die, and his company works together with his client to create tiles that reflect their style and stories.
Ben is the author of several books about art tiles found in Wisconsin historic buildings, including Wausau’s original Wausau High School on Fulton and Seventh Streets (The Animal Tiles at East High).
The second presentation will be Christine Martens, President of Friends of Wausau Historic Landmarks, looking at the history of the Sears Catalog Homes. From about 1908 to 1940 new home owners could grab a catalog and order a home, a summer home, or even a barn. The presentation will look at some of the most popular styles through the years, as well as a few Sears homes in the Wausau area.
Admission is free, however due to limited space, attendees must RSVP at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/voices-of-historic-preservation-live-tickets-1280359322199?aff=ebdssbdestsearch.
If you have further questions please call Christine at 715-212-9922.
