Past Letters from the Director
Hooverness
Hooverness
Dear Friends,
It's not often that you have a chance to visit, first-hand, a truly remarkable piece of architecture that is at once, part home and part work of art. Thanks to the generosity of Whitney Armstrong, son of the late Tom Armstrong (of the Whitney Museum, and brother of RRA patron, Susan Watts), a select and adventurous group from the Arboretum recently had that opportunity while on a field trip to Hooverness, on Fishers Island, NY.
Hooverness is a singular vision of architecture, art, and landscape. It is a unique modernist glass house filled with art in a spectacular seaside and garden setting. Our group met at the New London Ferry terminal and boarded our boat for the 45-minute ride to the island where we were met by Whitney. As we drove to our destination, what really hit me was the proximity of nature with humanity. At one moment you're looking at rolling, green hills dotted with trees, and suddenly the horizon drops off to reveal water, all around you. Everything is within your touch. It gives one pause and perspective.
We lunched at Hooverness before starting our tour of the house and grounds. Words cannot describe the magnificent house and setting, the extraordinary artworks, and the beautiful, ever-changing legacy landscape. Afterward, a quick visit to the Fishers Island Museum, and a tour of another, more deliberate garden, and back to the mainland.
It was a long day, and the reward was truly worth it!
Missed this trip? Keep posted for our fall excursion.
Cheers,
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