This CASI November 21 live event will feature presentations of important very old architectural elements in Europe. This will be the annual CASI fundraiser which is the backbone of funding our annual scholarship awards for our student contests in art, writing and filmmaking. Two presenters are the owners of these important historical monuments, who have also supervised the restoration of the structures. Artist Mel Ahlborn will present her work on Ely Cathedral. The Event will take place at Wave Street Studios in Monterey at 430 pm on November 21.

Mel Ahlborn will present her artistic restoration work on Ely Cathedral (Cambridgeshire, England), a masterpiece of engineering in timber, lead, glass, and stone that preserves a millennium of architectural evolution. Saxon Queen Ætheldreda founded a monastery on the site in 673 CE and became its first abbess. 200 years later the monastery was sacked during the Viking raids; 100 years later a Benedictine monastery was formed.

Ely Cathedral began in 1083 in the Norman period, its massive thirteen bays being an extraordinary example of Romanesque architecture. The western tower and transepts preserve much of this eleventh century monumental Norman work features thick walls and round arches.

The cathedral’s most celebrated feature emerged after the Norman central tower collapsed in 1322. Architect Alan of Walsingham collaborated with William Hurley (master carpenter for King Edward III) to erect a splendid octagonal crossing topped by a timber lantern. This innovative wooden framework—the only Gothic dome of its kind—spans 170 feet and appears to float weightlessly, representing a pinnacle of medieval engineering. The fourteenth century also saw completion of the ornate Lady Chapel (1321-1349), a masterpiece of Gothic architecture whose flowing tracery survives despite iconoclastic damage during the Reformation.

The monastery was dissolved in 1539 during Henry VIII’s reforms but was refounded as a cathedral in 1541, ensuring its preservation. Victorian-era architects, particularly George Gilbert Scott (1811-1878) and his son George Gilbert Scott, Jr, undertook significant restoration work to stabilize the structure, including addressing the western tower’s pronounced lean. Today, Ely Cathedral serves as both an active place of worship and an architectural masterpiece with its origins in Anglo Saxon England.

David O’Neil’s work on the restoration of the Château de Falloux in France reflects his deep commitment to preserving architectural heritage with authenticity and artistry. The project involves meticulous research and careful craftsmanship to revive the château’s 19th-century detailing — from hand-carved stone façades and original slate roofing to restored ironwork and period-accurate interiors — while integrating discreet modern systems for comfort and longevity. This passion for thoughtful conservation extends to his broader efforts in local historic preservation, where he advocates for maintaining the architectural integrity and cultural soul of landmark properties throughout Carmel and the Monterey Peninsula, ensuring that each restoration honors its past while remaining vital and sustainable for future generations.

The restoration of Muchalls Castle will feature the architectural history of one of Scotland’s oldest medieval castles, built in 1350 AD. The site was originally an Iron Age fort that overlooked the North Sea for Roman ships. A chief feature is 1600 square feet of original ornate plasterwork ceilings in four rooms from 1614 AD. The restoration work by the present owner, a mystery guest, will discuss the dungeon, the walk in fireplaces, original Delft tilework and the special bedroom reserved for visits by Mary, Queen of Scots. This is an A listed structure by Historic Scotland, and the complex includes a historic stables and two other listed buildings.

The live event occurs on November 21 at 430pm at Wave Street Studios, Monterey. This is the one and only annual CASI Fundraiser. Last year’s fundraiser funded the entirety of our seven student scholarships. This year we plan to double the number of scholarships in the fields of art, writing and filmmaking. Complimentary appetizers and non alcoholic drinks will be served, and a no host bar is available tor the serious imbibers.