ICAA Rocky Mountain Exhibits at the AIA National Convention

by Donald H. Ruggles, Rocky Mountain Chapter President

With the generous contributions and leadership of ICAA Rocky Mountain Board members Eric Mandil and Chad Cox, the Chapter recently installed an information and display booth in the Exhibition Hall at the 2013 AIA National Convention. Equally important, the regional staff of Restore Media under the spirited helm of Institute trustee, Pete Miller, contributed valuable time to manning the booth. The Convention was a three-day event held in Denver on June 20, 21 and 22.

Our booth presentation included ink wash drawings by University of Colorado Denver College of Architecture students (its new classical design studio offering is a thrilling new innovation we at the Chapter have had the honor to help facilitate), for-purchase copies of ICAA books from its long-established and distinguished Classical America Series in Art and Architecture, Institute membership and programs information, Restore Media publications, and information on past and future ICAA-RM events. During these three days, we had many professionals stop in to inquire about the Institute and the various offerings available many of whom were generous in their praise and encouragement.

Two of our more notable guests were ICAA Board Chairman, Peter Pennoyer, and Honorary Fellow and instructor, Marvin Clawson. All in all it was estimated that over 20,000 attendees passed by during the presentation period. It was a very positive event and the general professional response to the various efforts being made by the Institute were expressions of genuine appreciation transcending personal stylistic preferences.

Next year's annual AIA national conclave takes place in Chicago from June 26 to 28, with 2015 reserved in Atlanta May 14-16. Let's hope our Denver effort can set an annual Institute precedent for yearly engagement. Our constituency deserves it and the benefits that follow. The fact that there's a dynamic ICAA Chapter in place in both upcoming cities provides an ideal chance for programmatic focus and sponsor support. It is not too early to start planning!

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