Dear Editor,
The Glass House by Philip Johnson is the cultural centerpiece of New Canaan, so it seems a shame that its ability to host and welcome residents, and to bring the outside world to New Canaan, is restricted by the town and neighbors to activities that engage no more than 50 people at a time on the property and only 250 people at a time, once a year for their Summer Party.
The Glass House sits on a large 49-acre plot of land on Ponus Ridge and includes the Glass House, a guest house and many other structures that wow you as they are revealed when you approach them. The property also includes some of the most sought after art in the world (Warhol, Frank Stella, Michael Heizer).
I would like to see the town allow the Glass House to develop a larger program of activities and arts that are not so restricted by the number of people that can attend there at any one time. That way it can be used to bring the community together and infuse the community with other cultural and artist events that can add to the cultural calendar in New Canaan.
Mr. Johnson himself supported the New Canaan community since the 1950s, and the foundation continues to do so with local educational programs and other programs. Why wouldn’t we all support what he left behind for New Canaan to enjoy and love? As a community we need to stand behind the Glass House—they have a great program called, “New Canaan Days” providing New Canaan residents free access to the site.
Amanda Loehnis
New Canaan
I totally agree with the points made by Amanda. The Glass House is one of the treasures this wonderful town is identified with and we must support their endeavors to maintain it as such.With all of the great accolades I can point to, I may add their management of events has assured that there were no incidents that were invasive to the neighboring community. I strongly urge the neighbors to be supportive and be more lenient at the requests made of occasional increased on this property. Consider that this not a quarter acre property that is in other people’s back yards and causes disturbances when events take. So, I am all for allowing them approval of their requests.