The Kalo Foundation of Park Ridge

Over 10 years ago Betsy Foxwell and Nancy Frimark attended a lecture by Darcy Evon; a silver and metal crafts expert. They were inspired by the example of Clara Barck Welles-artist, suffragist, entrepreneur and founder of two businesses-the Kalo Arts and Crafts Community House (Grant and Clinton) and the Kalo Shop:both associated with Park Ridge.

 Kalo comes from the Greek word meaning “to make beautiful.”

 Mobilizing resources, businesses and friends, The Kalo Foundation of Park Ridge was formed in 2006 to help reintroduce the city to the many influential artisans and craftspeople who were part of the Park Ridge Artists Colony and many subsequent organizations. 

Thwarted in an early effort to acquire the Kalo Arts & Crafts Community House, the Kalo Foundation sought to preserve the former studio of Alfonso Iannelli also located in Park Ridge. The studio was on the state Ten Most Endangered Historic Places list for 2011. With help from Judy Barclay one of Kalo’s founders and zoning watchdog, delay of development allowed“Angel” Ed and Jean McCabe to come forward and offer a matching donation to Kalo. Friends like Landmarks Illinois, John Garrett Thorpe, a preservation architect who helped save the Frank Lloyd Wright home and studio, and many other friends of Kalo came forward. This lit the spark that propelled a grass roots effort, led by the Kalo Foundation. Generous contributions from the community resulted in Kalo’s success in acquiring Iannelli’s home and studio on August 31, 2011.

Since then the Iannelli Heritage Center has showcased artists from the past, present and future in Park Ridge and surrounding area. The Kalo Foundation has sponsored lectures, book signings, silver classes and exhibits.