Built in 1908, the Westcott House was designed by world-renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The one-time private residence is now a center for architecture and design education and a pillar of Springfield’s cultural community.
Unfortunately, the house has been temporarily shuttered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. But that’s not stopping the Westcott House staff from devising new ways to deliver their unique brand of creative and cultural programming, developing informative webinars and methods to supplement their earned income stream, which has been all but decimated by the public health crisis.
"This is to acknowledge that this is the time that people need to think of their health and safety. And they need to find ways to keep their sanity, to be uplifted, to stimulate their brains and curiosity, to get away from the news cycle, focus on positive things, and focus on things that will last," says Marta Wojcik, executive director and curator at the Westcott House.
Though the physical gift shop is closed, the Westcott House online store remains open. Through the Gifts of Hope program, visitors who purchase toys and books through the website not only raise money for the Westcott, but the toys and books are then donated to at-risk children through the organization’s partnership with Project Woman and Interfaith Hospitality Network of Springfield.
The Westcott is also running a coloring contest. Participants print out a drawing of the Bookwalter House on South Fountain Avenue and color it as they'd like to see the house painted. Coloring books are also available in the online store, the purchase of which gives 100 percent of the proceeds to Second Harvest Food Bank of Clark, Champaign & Logan Counties.
Planned webinars include features on the restoration of the house, Springfield history, the Hartman Rock Garden, and more.
"It’s sad to see the house empty, drastic to see everything ground to a halt," Wojcik says.
"We hope that offering virtual experiences will remind people that we’re still here. We hope that culture can survive and keep serving the community."
Follow the Westcott House online for upcoming programs.
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