Janna Ireland on the Architectural Legacy of Paul R. Williams in Nevada Opening

Join us for the opening of Janna Ireland on the Architectural Legacy of Paul Revere Williams in Nevada. The exhibition features photography by Janna Ireland exploring the important contributions of architect Paul R. Williams (1894-1980) in Nevada.

Williams was the first licensed African American architect to work in the western region of the United States and and the first Black member of the American Institute of Architects. Nicknamed “Architect to the Stars,” his clients included Frank Sinatra, Cary Grant, and E.L. Cord. Although Williams is associated with several Los Angeles icons, including the Beverly Hills Hotel and the LAX Airport, his work, including his many contributions in Nevada, is often under-recognized. In 2017, nearly 40 years after his death, he became the first black recipient of the AIA Gold Medal.

In 2016, Janna Ireland was invited by architect Barbara Bestor, Executive Director of the Julius Shulman Institute in Los Angeles, to photograph structures in southern California designed by Williams. Unlike conventional architectural photography that is intended to document every detail, Ireland’s shadowy photographs conjure a moody richness, inviting viewers to focus on unique architectural elements and how they may be experienced. In 2021, she was named a Peter E. Pool Research Fellow of the Center for Art + Environment at the Nevada Museum of Art to support her study of Williams’ work in Nevada, which includes residential homes, commercial properties, and religious institutions. 

Curator: Carmen Beals

This event is offered in person; COVID-19 vaccinations and face masks are strongly encouraged for all visitors. Read our full Health and Safety Protocol here.