By Dawn Pearson
The Carmel Clay Historical Society’s 21st annual Holiday Home Tour will feature houses designed by Avriel Shull in the Thornhurst neighborhood.
Born in 1931 in Carmel, Shull attended Carmel High School but did not go to architecture school. She was best known for her mid-century modern architectural designs. She worked from the 1950s until her death in 1976.
“Our annual Holiday Home Tour has always been a must-do holiday tradition for our members and visitors who appreciate exploring local history,” said Emily Ehrgott, CCHS executive director. “This year is extra special for local fans of mid-century modern design as we are so happy to feature Carmel’s own Avriel Shull, who personally designed this neighborhood. Her passion and her skills come to life as you tour each of these homes.”
Thornhurst is west of the Carmel Arts & Design District near the intersection of West Main Street and Guilford Road. Participants can park nearby and ride a shuttle to the neighborhood.
This year is the first time all the homes are in a single historic neighborhood. The homes will be decorated for the holidays and feature a nostalgic look of the 1960s, according to Ehrgott. Many of the homes have murals inside hand-painted by Shull.
The self-guided walking tour is from 6 to 10 p.m. Dec. 1 and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 2 at several homes in Thornhurst, the city’s only neighborhood on the National Registry of Historic Places.
Presale tickets are $50 for Dec. 1 and includes a VIP tour and post-tour cocktail party at the Evan Lurie Gallery. Tickets are $25 for Dec. 2. Tickets at the door are $60 Friday and $30 for Saturday. This is the first year guests can attend without a reservation.
Proceeds will support CCHS. Purchase tickets at eventbrite.com/e/carmel-holiday-home-tour- tickets-38488035751?aff=eac2.
