Return to flip book view
Campanula poscharskyana, Serbian bellflower blooming on front steps in June.2023-24Blau House & GardensANNUAL REPORT Message
xAnnual Report 2023-242BLAU HOUSE & GARDENSContents Executive Summary 1Overview 2Vision 3Milestones 42024 Public Programs 6Projects 9Our 5-Year Plan 10Partnerships & Collaborations 12Outreach & Engagement 13Recognition & Thank You 14Financial Overview 16
xAnnual Report 2023-24 1BLAU HOUSE & GARDENSExecutive SummaryBlau House & Gardens, established in 2021, is a community-driven organization dedicated to preserving Westport’s cultural and architectural heritage through educational programming, horticulture, and the arts. Over the past three years, we have made significant strides, transforming a mid-century modern home and intricate gardens into a budding cultural asset for the community.Despite limited financial resources and challenges in securing large-scale grants, we remain committed to our mission. Every dollar we receive is directly reinvested into maintaining the property, hosting educational programs that serve residents of all ages, and ensuring that the historical significance of Blau House & Gardens continues to enrich the Westport community.As we look ahead, we are actively seeking partnerships and funding to support our ongoing efforts and expand our impact. We are grateful for the opportunities we’ve had so far, but there is much more to do—and we need your support to continue this work.
Annual Report 2023-242BLAU HOUSE & GARDENSOverviewBackground of Blau House & Gardens and its historical significance.Built in 1962 on 2 acres at 8 Bayberry Ridge Road, the Blau House, a Ralph Alswang design, blends mid-20th century Modern architecture with New England barn influences—termed “Carpenter Modern.” Acquired by Eileen and Barry Blau in 1964, the house evolved with 1985 pool room addition by David E. Austin, son of A. Everett “Chick” Austin with his partner Mckee Patterson and a screened porch addition in 1993 by David D. Coffin.Renowned for its intricate gardens developed by Barry Blau over 50 years, the property features interlocking garden rooms with rhododendrons and a mix of native and exotic plants. Alswang and Blau, both benefiting from post-WWII suburban migration, found prosperity in theater and advertising. Their move to Westport and Weston reflected a shared history of rising from Depression-era poverty, drawn to the area’s diverse and inclusive arts community.
Annual Report 2023-24 3BLAU HOUSE & GARDENSVision: A glimpse into the envisioned community resource.The vision for Blau House & Gardens is to celebrate health + wellbeing, nature + garden design, art, + culture with educational programing, garden internships and residences, tours, and events.In our pursuit of creating a vibrant community resource, our vision encompasses: • Garden Protection: Safeguarding one of Connecticut’s most intricate gardens, ensuring its beauty endures for generations.• Artistic Legacy Preservation: Preserving a vital link to Westport’s mid-century artistic heritage, fostering a connection to the town’s rich cultural history.• Community Engagement: Offering intimate participatory experiences through small educational programs, cultural concerts, lectures, presentations, and art exhibits within the existing house and gardens.
Annual Report 2023-244BLAU HOUSE & GARDENSMilestonesSince our founding in 2021, Blau House & Gardens has overcome significant hurdles to preserve a unique cultural and architectural landmark.Establishment of the Non-Profit: In 2021, Blau House & Gardens was formally established as a non-profit organization. This clear governance structure with bylaws and policies laid the foundation for future growth.Operational Grants: In 2022 and 2023, we secured our first operational grants from Connecticut Humanities which allowed us to organize and launch our educational and cultural programs and projects.Historical Preservation: In 2023, we received a Survey and Planning Grant from the Connecticut State Historic Preservation Office to begin the process of nominating Blau House & Gardens for inclusion on the state historic register. This is nearing completion.Community Programs: Over the past three years, we’ve hosted a range of programs including garden tours, children’s book readings, and the planning of a cultural history project. These initiatives have connected visitors with the history and beauty of the house & gardens, fostering an appreciation for mid-century architecture and design, health and wellness.Acquisition of Blau House: In 2023 Blau House was acquired by Robert Cohen and Emily Blau, as temporary stewards, preventing its commercial sale and starting the transition from private to public preservation and use for future generations. Renovations and repairs were made to the house to ready it for tenant rental offsetting operational costs.2021-2023 Highlights
Annual Report 2023-24 5BLAU HOUSE & GARDENSKey Achievements in 2024Grants awarded: The Maximilian E. & Marion O. Hoffman Foundation Inc. awarded an unrestricted grant in November for $5,000 and Westport Evergreen recently gave a grant for $1000.Repairs Replacement of deteriorating garden ornaments, including new teakwood arbors in the Japanese garden. Events Successful hosting of public programs such as “Music in the Garden” and children’s book readings, Rhodo Rendezvous, Printmaking in the GardenCollaborations Ongoing collaborations with local organizations like Bartlett Arboretum, Stamford, The Carriage Barn Art Center, New Canaan, Norwalk’s Center for Contemporary Printmaking, and the Norwalk Symphony. Partnership Recognition as a partner site for the UConn Master Gardener Program, contributing to our goal of achieving ArbNet Level 1 status with initiation of a plant identification collection.Welcoming new volunteers: Thanks to the Westport Library Volunteer Fair in October, we have the following new volunteers joining our community: Margeret and Jake Salik, Susan Vanech, Phil Levieff, Ruth Summers, Melissa Honour, and Naomi Manning.
Annual Report 2023-246BLAU HOUSE & GARDENS.2024 Public ProgramsThis year, Blau House & Gardens has continued to offer a variety of programs that engage the community and highlight our commitment to educational outreach.Rhodo Rendezvous: Explore Rhododendron Wonders Sunday, May 19th, 2024 - 20 attendedIn partnership with the Carriage Barn Art Center, we hosted an educational adventure featuring expert speakers Richard A. Flavell, PhD, and Ron Rabideau. The event included a box lunch, engaging discussions, and tours of the rhododendrons at Blau Gardens and Bartlett Arboretum’s Mehlquist Garden, showcasing the beauty and diversity of these plants.Printmaking in the GardenSunday, July 14th, 2024 - 29 attendedBlau House & Gardens, in collaboration with the Center for Contemporary Printmaking, offered a hands-on Gelli Plate Printmaking workshop. Participants of all ages created monotype prints using botanical materials gathered from the garden. Expert guidance, eco-friendly materials, and a garden tour enhanced this inspiring artistic experience.Music in the Garden Sunday, August 25th,2024 Sunday, August 18th, 2024 – 38 attendedBlau House & Gardens hosted Music in the Gardens, combining a guided tour of its lush landscapes with a performance by the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra’s Woodwind Quintet. Guests brought picnics and enjoyed a serene summer evening under the stars, complete with shuttle service.Total Visitors about 164
Annual Report 2023-24 7BLAU HOUSE & GARDENSChildren’s Book Reading & Scavenger Hunt with Guy Billout Sunday, September 22nd, 2024 – 16 attendedBlau House & Gardens partnered with Pierpointe Behavior to host a book reading and signing with author and illustrator Guy Billout. Families delighted in The Frog Who Wanted to See the Sea, followed by a scavenger hunt for children aged 3-8. The event celebrated nature, storytelling, and adventure. Each family received custom illustrated dedications by Guy.2024 Gardens Tours for Visiting Organizations:• New York Hortus Club May 21st, 2024 - about 30 attended• Wakeman Town Farm Interns May 22nd, 2024 – 9 attended They toured the gardens, explored horticulture’s ties to agriculture, and volunteered. • Weston Garden Club May 24th, 2024 - about 15 attended• Greens Farms Garden Club Oct 9th, 2024 - 7 attended Past Programs at Blau House & Gardens 2021 - 2023Open Houses at Blau House: October 22 and 29, 2022 – 28 attendedGuests toured the newly renovated Blau House interiors, originally designed by Ralph Alswang in 1962.The Last Lallapaloosa at Blau GardensJune 11, 2023– 62 attendedThe day began with a Native Redbud tree planting ceremony led by Dr. Vanessa Avery, Executive Director of Sharing Sacred Spaces followed by garden tours and family-friendly activities. Victoria Kann read and signed Pinkalicious: Fairy House, with activities like finding fairy houses, coloring Pinkalicious crowns, and planting a take-home bean. Guy Billout also read The Frog Who Wanted to See the Sea alongside a frog hunt and planting activity. Gentle yoga with Millie and an evening garden reception with hors d’oeuvres and drinks concluded the event. Sponsors included Pierpointe Behavior Analysts, Histoury, and CT Humanities.
Annual Report 2023-248BLAU HOUSE & GARDENSTour and Volunteer Day with Wakeman Town Farm Interns June 6th, 2023 - 10 attended Wakeman Town Farm Interns toured the gardens and learned about the relationship between horticulture and agriculture and volunteered to do garden work Westport Senior Center Tour and Volunteer DaysMay and June 2023 – 4 attendedTour of the gardens. Some volunteers helped by transplanting moss in the Japanese gardenHorticulture Program Class Garden tour - Naugatuck Valley Community CollegeApril 19, 2022 - 8 attendedChildren’s Programs with Victoria Kann – TreasurtasticBlau House & Gardens hosted two engaging children’s programs featuring author Victoria Kann. Families enjoyed reading and book signing of Treasurtastic, a Pinkalicious “I Can Read Book”, followed by a fun-filled scavenger hunt where children explored the garden to find hidden treasures. Participants took part in a hands-on activity, planting a bean to take home and watch grow. These events connected young minds with nature and storytelling, creating memorable educational experiences for all attendees.Lee Memorial Gardens - New Canaan Beautification League Chairs Garden Tour November 2022 – 7 attendedAlswang House Tour October 22 and 29, 2022 – 28 attendedGuests toured the newly renovated Blau House interiors, originally designed by Ralph Alswang in 1962.Connecticut Master Gardener Association, 2019 CMGA Semi-Annual Meeting / Summer Safari and TourJuly 18, 2019 – 12 attendedWestport Historical Society Hidden Garden Tour June 10th, 2018Open Days to Benefit the Garden Conservancy - 2017 - 2021Annual open days and Digging Deeper program in 2022. Dates held: 09-17-2017, 09-18-2018, 05-26-2019, 06-6-2021, 05-29-2022, 09-18-20These programs, though modest in scale, have had a profound impact on participants, allowing them to engage with the gardens and Westport’s cultural history in meaningful ways.
Annual Report 2023-24 9BLAU HOUSE & GARDENSProjectsNew Improvements and Renovations Exact reproductions of the Japanese arbors were replaced with new teakwood structures.Westport-Weston Cultural Heritage Project “A Mid-Century Exploration: Westport-Weston’s Creative Flowering”Blau House & Gardens is initiating a project to explore Westport and Weston, Connecticut’s pivotal role as a mid-20th-century hub of artistic creativity. This project aims to uncover the unique convergence of cultural figures in theatre, painting, sculpture, and more during the 1950s and 1960s, leveraging the area’s proximity to New York City while providing a retreat for artists.The project will engage the community through listening sessions with local scholars, artists, and residents, collecting insights on the region’s cultural dynamics. Findings will guide the development of a public event, either a two-day conference or a series of symposia, scheduled for 2025, to share research and spark discussions about Westport-Weston’s lasting impact on American art and culture. Topics may include the influence of artists, the impact of New York magazines, and notable figures like Ralph Alswang and Barry Blau. A dedicated website will document the findings and foster ongoing community engagement.Forthcoming Nomination Project ProgressBlau House & Gardens is nearing completion of its nomination for historic designation, supported by an $8,500 SHPO survey and planning grant.
BLAU HOUSE & GARDENS10 Annual Report 2023-24Our 5-Year PlanBlau House & Gardens’ 5-Year Plan focuses on accessibility, collaboration, education, preservation, and securing $3M for property acquisition and future growth.Increased Accessibility: Opening the gardens regularly to a wider audience, sharing the inspiration derived from their inherent beauty.Collaboration: Forming partnerships with cultural organizations in Westport and the surrounding area, enhancing the community’s cultural tapestry.Educational Expansion: Developing comprehensive educational programs and residencies focusing on horticulture, botany, and the arts, creating a hub for learning and creativity.Preservation with Purpose: Utilizing preservation planning to maintain the design integrity of the house and gardens while allowing strategic changes that enhance its role as a vital cultural asset within the community.
BLAU HOUSE & GARDENS11Annual Report 2023-24Acquisition & Transition from Private to PubicProperty Acquisition: Details on the acquisition of Blau House & Gardens.To secure the future of the Blau House & Gardens property, we require a total of $3 million to acquire two vital adjoining parcels in Westport’s Coleytown section:• $1.5 million for the Blau House and Gardens at #8 Bayberry Ridge Road• $1 million for adjacent property at #5 Fairview Drive, for parking and support facilities• $500,000 Establish an endowment for operations and maintenance over 5 years.The immediate focus is on acquiring the #8 Bayberry Ridge property and gardens, requiring a minimum of $1.5 million.Parking and Support Facilities #5 Fairview Drive could be developed to Include:• Parking Lower-Level • Restrooms Lower-Level• Gift Shop Lower-Level• Offices and Guestrooms for visiting artists and garden designers Upper-Level• Property Maintenance Upper-Level• Greenhouse-Level
Annual Report 2023-2412BLAU HOUSE & GARDENSPartnerships & Collaborationswith Local Organizations and BusinessesCommunity Partners: Collaborations with local organizations and businesses.• Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens, Stamford• University of Connecticut Master Gardener Program – UConn extension office• Wakeman Town Farm for volunteering intern for a day last year and offering their space for collabortive lectures in 2025.• Westport Senior Center Garden Club for helping with moss gardens.• Sponsorships and in-kind services: • Recognition and gratitude to sponsors and volunteers supporting the cause.• Pierponte Behavior Analysts - volunteered for stations helping with the book reading and scavenger hunts since 2021• Histoury - donated shuttle bus for June 11th event• Victoria Kann artist and illustrator of Pinkalicious - volunteered her time in-kind• Guy Billout, French artist and illustrator who has been awarded the Hamilton King Award and induced into the Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame. – volunteered his time in-kind
Annual Report 2023-24 13BLAU HOUSE & GARDENSOutreach & Engagement• Town of Westport, attend monthly “Celebrate Westport” meetings • Westport Library Volunteer Fair, October 2024 and 2003• UConn Master Gardener Volunteer Site Fair May 2024 and 2023Social Media Presence: Blau House & Gardens successfully engaged the community via social media in 2023-2024, promoting events, volunteer opportunities, and our preservation mission:Facebook:• Promoted “Music in the Gardens” (July 2023), reaching 300+ people and securing 40 RSVPs.• Highlighted Blau House’s architectural legacy (June 2023), sparking community interest in our preservation efforts.• Issued a volunteer call (November 2023), attracting new garden volunteers for spring 2024.Instagram:• Showcased spring garden blooms (April 2023), gaining 100+ likes from local plant enthusiasts.• Shared behind-the-scenes of preservation work (June 2023), inspiring donations and volunteer support.• Previewed our cultural history project (July 2023), engaging followers interested in Westport’s creative history.Blog 06880:• Music in the Gardens (August 2023): Covered by Dan Woog, increasing event awareness.• Featured Blau House’s architectural and cultural significance (July 2023), drawing attention from historians.• A volunteer appeal (April 2023) led to increased community involvement.
BLAU HOUSE & GARDENSRecognitions & Thank YousDonors 2024:• Gael Thomas Ficken• Mary Lou McGuire• Richard A Ungerer Fund Donors 2023:• Andrew Bentley• Thomas Korth• Jeffrey Fiarman• Elisabeth Keane• Carol Anne Ances• Katherine Kosiba• Maggie Dobbins• Network for Good Donors 2022:Theresa M. Green“Impressive plant choices for shade … Allee is dramatic, inviting and mystical, Nirvana in Westport” Mary Vassoler, NJ Garden Conservancy Open Day, May 29, 2022“Love the sound of the water everywhere. Love the Allee.” Joellen Bradford, Westport, CT Garden Conservancy Open Day, May 29, 2022Testimonials from our visitors14 Annual Report 2023-24
Annual Report 2023-24 15BLAU HOUSE & GARDENS“Spectacular. So pleased to have seen your garden. It’s inspirational. Thank you.”Karen Stokes, Weston, CT, Garden Conservancy Open Day September 17, 2017“The smell of the lilacs is incredible.”Jeanne Ronan, Garden Conservancy Open Day May 26th, 2019 “Spectacular!! Soothing, cool, and wonderful to experience the calm and peacefulness of this environment. — Thank you. “ Maria E. Oliva, Bridgeport, CT Garden Conservancy Open Day, June 6th , 2021“a very special garden”Jack and Ann Franzen, Southport, CT Garden Conservancy Open Day, May 26, 2019 “Definitely a community asset – would be great educational resource.”Sandy Elgee, New Haven, CT Garden Conservancy Open Day September 17, 2017“Full of surprises!” Electra Askitopoulos Friedman, Riverdale, NY Garden Conservancy Open Day, June 6th , 2021 “Amazing peaceful rock stream, beautiful grounds.”Angela Aranye, Weston, CT Garden Conservancy Open Day May 26th, 2019“Absolutely gorgeous!” Sami Danna, Westport, CT Garden Conservancy Open Day, September 17, 2017Testimonials from our visitors
Revenue ExpensesAnnual Report 2023-2416BLAU HOUSE & GARDENSFinancial OverviewBlau House & Gardens operates on a modest budget, we do not generate profit but rather we reinvest all revenue into supporting our mission, operations and programs. We rely on a combination of grants and contributions to sustain our operations and programs.2023 Financial Breakdown: Revenue and ExpensesOur total revenue for 2023 was $8,965.45, primarily sourced from a CT Humanities grant (74.73%) and program income and contributions (25.27%).Revenue Breakdown:Grants (CT Humanities): $6,700 .00Program Income & Contributions: $2,265.45Expenses Breakdown:Program Costs (materials, honorariums, garden supplies): $311.67Operations & Administrative (insurance, website, memberships etc.): $3,370.88Consulting (preservation planning, program development, graphic design): $4,600.99 Total expenses: $8,283.542023 Financial BreakdownGrantsProgram Income and Contributions74.7%25.3%Program CostsConsulting CostsOperations and Administration Costs40.7%55.5%3.8%
Board of Directors Robert Cohen, Chair Emily Blau, Director Walter Hlawitschka, Director Board of Advisors Angel Ayón, Principal, AYON Studio Architecture, Preservation, P.C. (AYON Studio) David Green, Ph.D, Culture Connector, former Executive Director, Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County Rachel Gordan, Ph.D, Fellow in American Jewish Culture & Society, University of Florida and NEH Public Scholars Fellow at the Center for Jewish History New York City. Wes Haynes, historic preservation planner and architectural historian, Executive Director, Merritt Parkway Conservancy Duncan Himmelman, professional horticulturist, administrator, and educator Tracy R. Kay, CEO, Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens Jennifer Letitia, M.D., Functional and Integrative Physician, Whole Body Medicine, Fairfield Kathleen Maher, Executive Director, The Barnum Museum Marty Skrelunas, architectural preservation-ist, Architecture and Landscape Preservation LLC Richard A. Ungerer, education and nonprofit organization consultant, former Executive Director, American Montessori Society Dan Urciuoli, Local Manager & Arborist Representative, Bartlett Tree Experts, Licensed ArboristCall to ActionBlau House & Gardens is at a critical juncture. With the right support, we can continue to preserve this important cultural landmark and expand our impact in the community. We invite individuals and organizations to join us in our efforts to preserve history, horticulture, and the arts for generations to come, making Blau House & Gardens an asset to the community.How You Can Help:• Donate: Your financial support will allow us to continue offering educational programs and projects and preserve Blau House & Gardens for the future.• Volunteer: Join us in our mission by contributing your time and skills to help maintain the gardens, plan events, and engage with the community.• Partner with Us: Help us grow by becoming a sponsor or partner in our cultural and historical programming and projects.Together, we can ensure that Blau House & Gardens remains a vibrant resource for the Westport community.For more information or to donate, please contact us at:Blau House & Gardens www.blauhouseandgardens.org r@blauhouseandgardens.org 203-952-3335
Blau House & Gardens www.blauhouseandgardens.org r@blauhouseandgardens.org 203-952-3335Photography: Tim Lenz and Robert Cohen, Report Design: Kirsten Long