Onna House

“Perry was inspired to save this early 60s gem that she initially became aware of via instagram. “When I pulled up to the property, it was like the mini version of where I grew up,” Perry says. “I got this deeply physical feeling and knew it was my next project.” Perry bought the house immediately and asked her longtime architect and collaborator Christine Harper to begin a restoration. “The bones of the house are beautiful. We only needed to change the kitchen and the bathrooms, whereas the main spaces just needed some love. The gardens needed the most love. Halfway through the project, I decided that I was going to focus on filling the house with art and design pieces exclusively made by women.” By the fall of last year, Perry was ready to open the doors to Onna House by appointment to aficionados of architecture, art, and design. With a goal of giving women artists more visibility, Perry uses the home to mount revolving exhibitions, and she purchases a piece from each artist she exhibits for her permanent collection. “We focus on some very young artists who are breaking out, but also on women of all ages at any point in their career who can benefit from the exposure.””

“Work by all women creators in a beautiful home restored by Lisa Perry. The home was built by Robert & Ethel Scull, who invested the money from their text business into contemporary art. Perry continues the work of the former owners who hosted events in support of women’s rights. Betty Friedan, founder of the National Organization of Women, and Gloria Steinem were among the headliners. So thrilled that the work of artist Lois Samuels, whose work is currently on exhibit at Onna House, is part of this legacy.”