Pull up a chair in Los Angeles and see a comprehensive Set of Eames chairs at JF Chen, then check out an exhibit on mid-century Contemporary design at the L.A. County Museum of Art. Attend a talk in the Windy City researching the work of landscape architect O.C. Simonds, or visit Seattle and get inspired by exhibitors at the Phinney Neighborhood Design Fair. If you’re looking for ways to become inspired or simply enjoy getting out amid additional design fans, this really is our shortlist of things to do across the country that January.
lacma.org
EXHIBIT — Dec. 30, 2011 – June 3, 2012
California Design, 1930–1965:”Living in a Modern Way”
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
5905 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA
Journey via a major study of California mid-century design in a exhibition including more than 300 objects. Research how”The California Appearance” helped shape and affect furniture, ceramics, metalwork, fashion and textiles in the United States. It starts by tracing the 1930s modernism roots with work by Richard Neutra and Rudolph Schindler, then moves on to research design innovations made possible by the conversion of World War II technologies to peace-time use, exemplified by the ceramic and plywood furniture pioneered by Charles and Ray Eames.
The heart of the exhibit focuses on the modern California home, superbly characterized by open programs and subtropical living and supplied with products from companies such as Heath Ceramics, Van Keppel-Green, and Architectural Pottery.
Amazon
EXHIBIT + BOOK RELEASE — Dec. 30, 2011 – Jan. 14, 2012
“Collecting Eames: The JF Chen Collection”
JF Chen: 941 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles, CA
Take a chair, or admire one of 150 iconic seats on screen in a vast selection of things from mid-century design legends Ray and Charles Eames. In conjunction with the release of the book, Collecting Eames: The JF Chen Collection, renowned Los Angeles antiques store owner displaying more than 425 items from the design legends such as tables, storage units, chairs and even a transistor radio organized in a timeline spanning the whole chronology of their generation from 1939 to 1998. If you’re a lover of Charles and Ray Eames, be sure to check out this impressive set. The exhibit is part of the Southern California”Pacific Standard Time” series of art shows.
Amazon
LECTURE + BOOK SIGNING — Jan. 11, 2012 at 12:15 – 1 p.m.
“Low Essential Genius: The Life and Work of Landscape Gardener O.C. Simonds”
Chicago Architecture Foundation (AIA/CES: 1)
Lecture Hall Gallery: 224 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
Join Barbara Geiger, writer of Low-Key Genius: The Life and Work of Landscape Architect O.C. Simonds, to an engaging illustrated presentation exploring the Life Span of Chicago landscape artist O.C. Simonds. Simonds (1855-1931) has been a powerful figure in the naturalistic landscape motion, and has been the first to popularize the use of native plants.
As the original spouse of William Holabird, he was instrumental in shaping Graceland Cemetery’s landscape for more than 50 decades, consulted at Lincoln Park, made the University of Chicago campus in 1902, collaborated with Pond and Pond on Frank Orren and Florence Pullman’s Sinnissippi Farm, and designed hundreds of other projects.
A book signing will follow the lecture. Seating is limited. Guests are welcome to bring a bag lunch.
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HOME TOUR — Jan. 26, 2012 in p.m.
Private house in Ukranian Village. Address to be shared with registrants.
Register here
Chicago, IL
In case you’re still considering what to add to your list of New Year’s resolutions, think about attending a home tour event in Ukranian Village at the home of Roam & Home blogger Karen and interior photographer Bob Coscarelli. Their modern home graced the pages of the book Chicago Spaces: Inspiring Interiors. The evening involves a discussion with Chicago Home + Garden magazine editor Jan Parr as well as the architects and developers who helped the Coscarellis perform their vision. $60 entry includes a cheese and wine reception and a hardcover copy of the Chicago Spaces book. Register here.
DESIGN FAIR — Jan. 29, 2012 out of 10 a.m. — 4 p.m.
Phinney Neighborhood Association Design Fair
Phinney Neighborhood Center, Blue Building
6532 Phinney Ave N., Seattle, WA
Get inspired by dozens of exhibitors at the 15th annual Phinney Neighborhood Association Home Design Fair. Hear from experts on a number of topics ranging from landscaping principles to garden cottages. See the entire schedule of presentations on design and remodeling topics, and a complete list of all exhibitors, such as CTA Builds (displayed here). City of Seattle allowing specialists will also be on hand to answer questions.
Food earnings from the fair this year service the Ballard Preschool Co-op. Admission: $6 (PNA members); $10 (general public); free for ages 12 and under. For further information, contact Judith Wood at -LRB-206-RRB- 783-2244 or [email protected].
More 2011 design occasions: Dec. 9 – Jan. 13, 2012, Dec. 23 – Jan. 27, 2012
What’s in your calendar this month? Let us learn about your favorite upcoming design occasions below!