Goodstein-Murphree Participates in Bauhaus Exhibit Events in Little Rock

Ethel Goodstein-Murphree, interim dean of the Fay Jones School of Architecture, will participate in events this week connected to a new exhibit at the Arkansas Arts Center in Little Rock.

“From the Bauhaus to Our House,” a panel discussion and lectures, will be held Friday, May 24, at the arts center, located at Ninth and Commerce streets. This event, co-hosted by StudioMAIN in Little Rock, is part of the arts center’s opening event for its “Bauhaus Twenty-21” exhibit.

The event will begin at 5 p.m. with a series of three brief lectures discussing the history and influence of the Bauhaus movement. Goodstein-Murphree will discuss architecture; Floyd Martin, professor of art history at University of Arkansas at Little Rock, will discuss culture and art; and Mia Hall, assistant professor of applied design at UALR, will discuss furniture.

After a break to view the exhibit and for refreshments, a discussion among the panel of experts in the design fields will begin at 7 p.m. Goodstein-Murphree will moderate this discussion between Martin, Hall and John Greer (with WER Architects and Planners, and the Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas).

This exhibit conveys the architectural history, design and enduring philosophies of the Bauhaus, a German expression meaning “house for building” and the name of an important German School principle of architecture and design. The exhibition offers a unique perspective on Bauhaus design philosophy as it relates to architecture and its relevance in today’s society. The Bauhaus school was founded by Walter Gropius in 1919 and introduced principles that shaped the foundation of modern architecture.

Conceived as a project encompassing architecture, design and photography, the “Bauhaus Twenty-21” exhibit not only conveys the architectural history, but also illustrates the enduring philosophies of the Bauhaus. The exhibition is comprised of 77 photographs, plans and elevations, and furniture that capture the essence of Bauhaus design and its influence on modern architecture and design.

The Bauhuas exhibit is supported by Cromwell Architects Engineers, the Arkansas Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, and Brent Stevenson and Associates. 

In addition, the Arkansas AIA will host a member preview of the Bauhaus exhibit at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the arts center. This members-only social event will include a brief lecture about the Bauhaus by Goodstein-Murphree, followed by an introduction and tour of the work lead by Gordon Watkinson, the exhibit’s creator. This reception is presented by Janet and Sam Alley.

For more information, contact the Arkansas Arts Center at 501-372-4000.