RUSSEL WRIGHT AWARD PRESENTED TO
LEADERS IN ENVIRONMENTALISM AND DESIGN PUBLISHING

The Ninth Annual Russel Wright Award Benefit Luncheon and Auction, held at The Garrison, on Sunday, October 5th, was attended by over two hundred ebullient Wright enthusiasts. The excitement over the salute to the honorees and the array of auction offerings was palpable. This year’s honorees were environmentalist’s Anne and Constantine Sidamon-Eristoff and Dwell magazine founder Lara Deam. Manitoga’s Board of Directors established the Russel Wright Award “to honor today’s leaders who carry forward one or more dimensions of Wright’s legacy in design, architecture, landscape, the environment, hiking trails, and philosophy of “easier living” and living in harmony with nature.”

Carol Ash, Commissioner of NY State office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and 2005 Russel Wright Award winner, presented the 2008 Award to Anne and Constantine Sidamon-Eristoff for their extraordinary contributions to environmental conservation in the Hudson Valley and throughout the nation.

Anne has served as chairwoman of the American Museum of Natural History, among other organizations with continuing traditions in leadership in environmental science and protection. She is on the Boards of Black Rock Forest, Highland Falls Library, and Storm King Art Center. “Connie” Sidamon-Eristoff is an environmental attorney, currently chairman of Audubon, New York and on the Boards of National Audubon and Constitution Island Association.

The first Award was given to famed architect and designer, Michael Graves, in 2000. At the same time Lara Hedberg Deam founded DWELL magazine on the other coast. David McAlpin, President of Manitoga, in presenting the 2008 Award for Visionary Publishing of Modernism to Ms. Deam, stated: “ there is not a more natural continuation of the principles Manitoga seeks to further---well designed and responsible building respectful of its surroundings, living well through good design and in harmony with the environment.”

Sotheby’s Vice-Chairman, David Redden, who has conducted the live auction for over two decades, presented the offerings of the unusual assortment of modernist designs and eclectic travel opportunities. The vintage Russel Wright spun aluminum pitcher sparked heated bidding, ending with a high bid of over $1,000!  Massimo Vignelli’s signed artist’s-proof of his New York Subway Map created more spirited bidding. Eva Zeisel, now almost 102 years old, and a personal friend of Russel Wright, was present. She signed one of her new designs for Bloomingdales which was received with a flurry of bidding.

The proceeds of this annual event is one of the main sources of revenue to continue the challenges of restoring Manitoga, an icon of Modern American organic architecture and woodland gardens. Manitoga is a national treasure widely respected as a source for understanding 20th-century American design and culture. As a National Historic Landmark and charter member of the National Trust’s Historic Artists’ Homes and Studios program, it is also an important economic and educational asset for our community and our region.

Manitoga is the only National Historic Landmark in Putnam County.