welcome to the porch.

here you will find daily discoveries in the world of southern art and design.  our seasonal magazine, the porch, reports on such topics…but this blog is all about conversation. so let us know what yall think and always send along any relevant information.

this inaugural post was intended to be all about porches (what else?). however, with last wednesday’s tornadoes, it would be remiss to discuss one of the essential elements of southern culture without acknowledging the massive destruction across our beloved region.

if the kitchen is the heart of the home, then the porch, its soul. linking outdoors to in, the family to the community, and giving support to the ubiquitous swing, this architectural feature embodies the culture of the south. it’s comfortable, inviting, nostalgic, and safe. whether it’s a drink with neighbors, dinner with the family, or late-night conversations with the closest of friends, porches enhance the functions of society.

  the tornado that pummeled arab.  from cnn.com.

 see more here and here.

with the widespread loss of countless homes and businesses across the south, it is with deep sadness that i reflect on our iconic architecture. more than demolition of the built environment, however, it is the thousands of personal tragedies that make these storms so horrific. but even in this time of mourning, a spirit of community has overwhelmed the gloom. people helping people, doing whatever needs to be done…feeding, clothing, sheltering, and loving.

neighbors help out with the clean up process in arab, al.

from nytimes.com. read the article here.

my hometown, arab, al, was slammed by the storms. but on saturday night, everyone gathered at the city fire station where the local bbq restaurant had amassed giant grills…cooking all the meat anyone was willing to bring. and since power in arab is still out, there was much that would have otherwise spoiled. the joining together of a community, at this time and in this way, shows that at the end of the day it’s more than just architecture. an airy porch might set the stage, but it’s southern culture that makes the experience memorable. 

every little bit given helps tornado victims rebuild their lives. to donate, go to:

alabama governor’s tornado relief fund
http://www.servealabama.gov/2010/2011%20Tornadoes/Response.aspx

the american red cross

 http://newsroom.redcross.org/category/spring-tornadoes-2011/

the salvation army (designate “april 2011 tornado outbreak”)

https://secure20.salvationarmy.org/donation.jsp