Sunday April 8, 2007. Today I attended a boho Easter festivity at the old Frank Lloyd Wright estate high on a mountainside overlooking Malibu town and the ocean.
Several dozen adorable children gather for egg hunting, and twice that number of fullgrown creative geniuses are following them or happily chatting at the lavish potluck buffet. Wright’s grandson Eric Lloyd Wright, also an architect, and Eric’s wife Mary, the owners of the property, invite their Topanga-Malibu artist neighbors to celebrate with them on every major holiday. My only previous visit, 4th of July in 2001, was unforgettable. From their eagle’s perch I could see simultaneous fireworks displays at every beach town on the coast of LA County. No anthems sung—just a drum circle.
Our gracious hostess, Mary Wright, and my dear long time friend Leslie Doolin, artist and founder/co-owner (with her sons Matt and Paul Doolin) of Topanga Art Tile. Leslie invited me to the party.
On the hilltop above the party…
…is a ceremonial circle of stones…
…where Paul and Maureen Doolin were married a few years back. Now they’re here with their son, Liam, an avid egg-hunter.
An oak shelters the spacious deck with its outdoor kitchen and buffet tables…
…below which extends a lawn perfect for picnicking or summer wedding receptions.
The children set off to find the eggs…
…and paddle in the pond…
…and cast for fish…
…and climb the geodesic dome.
Leslie and I tour the Wright’s house-in-progress with its sweeping views and elegant lines…
…and admire a friend’s baby on her first Easter.
Later, we hike in Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and enjoy the view of the coastline past Malibu to Point Dume.
Leslie designed and made the floral tile framed mirror in her bathroom.
The latest addition to the Topanga Art Tile line: a circular tile emblazoned with a Sanskrit Aum, for Infinite Peace.
Alicia Bay Laurel 