Modernism Week Discovery: Walter S White

Walter S White – Modernism Week Discoveries

73271 Buckboard Trail, Palm Desert Photo George Gutenberg
Photo George Gutenberg

As we suit up for MW 2017 to learn more about this genre, it might be good to recall that we’ve learned a lot in the past.

One such discovery at MW 2016 was the little-known Mid-Century Modern architect Walter S White who did memorable structures from Palm Springs to Indio, as well as work in Colorado and Los Angeles. He was first introduced to us in a blog by Professor Volker M. Welter, in 2015, who later did a lecture on the architect at MW 2016.

Professor Welter also authored “Projects and Inventions in Architecture”, published by the Art, Design and Architecture, UCSB.  This book provides a thorough review of his work and working life with details, background, drawings, locations and photographs. It can be ordered here. Thus the architect has been moved from being little known to well recognized.

Clicking here will show a map developed by Prof.  Welter showing his known and suspected projects. Continue reading “Modernism Week Discovery: Walter S White”

Modernism Week 2016

MODERNISM WEEK IN RANCHO MIRAGE

 

With Modernism Week 2016 fast approaching, fans are looking for new places to visit. The City of Rancho Mirage is also a Modernism Week sponsor.

Mid-Century Modern In Tamarisk Rancho, Rancho Mirage
Mid-Century Modern In Tamarisk Rancho, Rancho Mirage – Photo by Jim Riche

Rancho Mirage became a hub of modernist architecture with the development in the mid 1950s of Thunderbird and Tamarisk Country Clubs. Both became the focus of architectural innovation. As the rich and famous flocked further east, so their architects came with them: Cody, Krisel, Williams, Wexler, Lapham, Welton Becket, Pereira, and more designed houses here, while smaller condominium communities were also developed. Continue reading “Modernism Week 2016”

2016 Palm Springs Modernism Week

Modernism Week 2016

2016 Palm Springs Modernism Week is Almost Here! Plan Your Week

If you plan to attend, buy your tickets soon, as the events are being sold out as we speak – about forty as this being typed.

Tickets remain for the popular Frey House II tours that are about half sold out and there is one remaining Modernism Week Signature Home tour.

There are a number of theme Parties left, which may be a good place to start, or with Neighborhood Home Tours where new neighborhoods are to be seen in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells.

More exclusive home tours may include a reception: Abernathy Residence, Raymond Lowry House, Smoke Tree Ranch, Frank Sinatra Estate, and The Loewe Estate.

Be sure to check out the Lectures, thirty-nine alone at the Annenberg Theater, some by famous names, on topics ranging from architects to architecture, art, fashion, design and even Cuba.  All look interesting and some are very unique. There are also daily lectures at the MW Camp. Some you will not want to miss.

Check out unique events such as an evening at Hotel Lautner, a retro Pinball Tournament and Student Modernism Projects, which is free, and many more.

If you plan to spend a day or more at MW, you should spend a few hours digging into the Whole MW Program. There is way too much for any one person to see.

If you use don’t mind experimenting, and understand what this is, we have created a Calendar File that will place MW events on your personal calendar. It includes only those events not fully booked at it’s creation.

Click this file to download it:  MW 2016 Events.ics

It will load into your calendar automatically. Go to February.  You will need to view each day by itself to see all the events.  Click each one to get more detail and link to the event and buy ticket pages

 

Modernism Week 2014

Modernism Week 2016

Palm Springs in California has made its name over the years, to attract a lot of people from all over the world to the Palm Springs Modernism Week taking place from February 13th till 23rd, 2014.  This yearly event celebrates various cool parties, mid-century modern architecture and designs, special touring of homes and other adventures.

Modernism Week 2014 Retro Martini Party
Modernism Week 2014
Retro Martini Party

 

In addition to the Bus Tours showing architectural significant homes which runs on a daily basis four times during modernism week, the famous Estate of Annenberg at Sunnylands is open to the public for touring and the Convention Center in Palm Springs is holding the popular Modernism Show.  Another event which should not be missed is the Exposition of expanded Prefab Showcase and Modern Living which include:

Modern Mambo! Modernism Week After Dark Opening Night, February 13, 2014

Continue reading “Modernism Week 2014”

Los Angeles Design Festival In Full Swing

Now underway through June 30 (2013), the Los Angeles Design Festival is an annual series of design events staged around greater Los Angeles that celebrates how design in — all its disciplines — impacts our quality of life.

A plethora of events are held from the Los Angeles Convention Center, home tours and skyline walks  to small design shops, produced by organizations and companies that have a point of view on design and its role in the LA environs and culture.  The Festival encompasses Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside and Ventura counties.  Major sponsors and partners include Dwell on Design, The Lincoln Mercury Company, JC Penney, and the American Society of Interior Designers. Continue reading “Los Angeles Design Festival In Full Swing”

PST! There’s Still Time to Experience Pacific Standard Time: Modern Architecture

PSTP-Banner-combo2400x1696 (3)Pacific Standard Time Presents: Modern Architecture in L.A., a scaled down sequel to the first Getty initiative in 2011, is underway in Los Angeles and environs.  The current initiative celebrates Southern California’s immense impact on modern architecture with exhibitions and programs by 17 cultural institutions now through July, 2013.

Events are scattered across the city from construction sites to the Schindler House, and from Pasadena to Santa Barbara.

Just opened May 9, Everything Loose will Land, an installment at the MAK Center for Art and Architecture at the Schindler House, makes light of Frank Lloyd Wright’s infamous dig: “Tip the world over on its side and everything loose will land in Los Angeles.”  In the 1970s, boundaries between L.A.  artists and architects blurred, leading to unprecedented collaborations and innovations. Function and form ceased to be distinct in this exhibit that unites PST’s emphasis on architecture and visual design. Continue reading “PST! There’s Still Time to Experience Pacific Standard Time: Modern Architecture”

More Palm Springs Modernism Events in March

While Modernism Week just ended, don’t despair.  More Modernism-focused events continue this month with the Beg Borrow and Steal exhibit at both Palm Springs Art Museum locations through June 2;  the Black & White photography exhibit at the Villa Fontana, March 23; the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation’s Leisure Life Weekend, March 22-24; and the Meet the Museum membership drive event March 29, through which members are invited to dozens of art exhibits and special events throughout the year.

Palm Springs Art Museum

Beg, Borrow And Steal

Beg Borrow and Steal is the first exhibition to be installed simultaneously in the Palm Springs Art Museum and the Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert in The Galen building.   The exhibits are ongoing through June 2. Continue reading “More Palm Springs Modernism Events in March”

Palm Springs Modernism Week Has Something For Everyone

Palm Springs Modernism Week, Feb. 15 – 24, offers a plethora of events, lectures, tours, films and adventures for the novice to the connoisseur.

Modernism Week is a celebration of Mid-Century design, architecture and culture in Palm Springs.  You can begin to absorb the vibe merely by walking around the neighborhoods and along North Palm Canyon’s Uptown District. Continue reading “Palm Springs Modernism Week Has Something For Everyone”

Events for Modernism Week 2013 Announced

 

Get ready for Modernism Week 2013, February 14-24, for 11 days of parties, a retro fundraiser, bus tours, lectures and the Palm Springs Modernism Show & Sale.

Palm Springs Preservation Foundation just unveiled four events including PSFP board member Gary Johns’ acclaimed free lecture Lost, Saved & Endangered: Modernist Architecture in Palm Spring; the always popular tour of Frank Sinatra’s Twin Palms estate; a new tour of three steel homes; and the signature Retro Martini Party fundraiser. Continue reading “Events for Modernism Week 2013 Announced”

Mid Century Design Continues to Influence Today’s Art and Fashion

Art and fashion of the 1960s continues to deeply influence today’s art trends.

The Galen
The Galen – Palm Springs Art Museum at Palm Desert

Recent events and exhibits at the Palm Springs Art Museum underscore that influence when a 60s-themed opening party topped more than 800 guests for The Galen and Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden in Palm Desert.

Images from the 60’s themed party are on the museum’s web site at www.psmuseum.org Continue reading “Mid Century Design Continues to Influence Today’s Art and Fashion”