SPRINGFIELD, Mo., Jan. 23, 2012 — Drury University, in partnership with the Springfield Foundation for Architecture, will present an exhibition featuring the work of local architect Richard P. Stahl (1914-2003). The exhibition, titled Springfield Mid-Century Modern: The Architecture of Richard P. Stahl, will run from Feb. 3-27 in the Pool Art Center at Drury University.
Stahl designed Drury's Bay Hall
Stahl began work in the mid-1940s by building a practice that helped change the face of Springfield architecture. Stahl was not formally trained as an architect, but apprenticed instead with local builder and furniture manufacturer C. A. Bissman. Stahl and Bissman formed an architectural partnership in 1945, and four years later Stahl left to found his own firm. Over the next several decades, Stahl’s office produced designs for a wide range of individuals, businesses and institutional clients throughout the Ozarks. In 1996, he became the only architect from the region to be inducted into the American Institute of Architects College of Fellows.
The exhibition at Drury will highlight Stahl’s mid-century work, focusing on original drawings of his buildings as well as photographs and other documents from the period. The exhibition will place Stahl’s groundbreaking designs in the context of the mid-century modernization of Springfield and the region.
An opening reception for the gallery will be held on Friday, Feb. 3 at 6 p.m. in the Pool Art Center, Room 100. For more information visit the gallery website.
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