Paul Hayden Kirk and Midcentury Modern NW Architecture

Discover one of the key figures in Pacific Northwest modernism, who overcame polio as a child and reputational damage during the Red Scare to become the most influential architect our region has yet to produce.

In the mid-20th Century, our state was slow to adopt the modern architectural trends flooding Europe, the East Coast, and California. But smartly, Paul Hayden Kirk blended the clean look of modernism with our region’s tradition of building with wood, and crisp lines with Japanese and Native American influences. This talk explores Kirk’s life, along with examples of his work, to paint a portrait of a true Northwest innovator.

Come learn about Paul Hayden Kirk, who designed the Lopez Inn (now Islander Lopez) and multiple buildings at Henderson Camps/Camp Nor'wester, as well as mentored other influential architects with designs on Lopez.

This event is FREE and open to the public. Special thanks to Humanities Washington for sponsoring this program!

SPEAKER BIO:
Dale Kutzera is the author of Paul Hayden Kirk and the Rise of Northwest Modern, the first monograph on the father of mid-century design in the Pacific Northwest. Kutzera has spent his life largely in the arts sector and entertainment industry.

Starts: October 15, 2026

Time: 6:30 pm

Admission: Free

Location: Lopez Center for Community and the Arts
204 Village Rd, Lopez Island, WA 98261

View Website

Contact Us:
San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau
info@visitsanjuans.com
1-888-468-3701 x1 | (360) 378-9551 x1
P.O. Box 1330, Friday Harbor, Washington 98250
Subscribe to E-newsletter:
We are a membership organization. More tourism-oriented businesses and non-profits can be found on the three Chamber of Commerce's websites.
Additional Resources/Visitor Info Centers

Site by Drozian Webworks
©2026 San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau
Privacy Policy