Modernism Week in Palm Springs
By Mike Tauber
Palm Springs will be buzzing with architects, historians, designers, authors and artists during the fourth annual Modernism Week. The nine-day festival features films, antiques shows, home tours, lectures and parties all focused on modernist mid-20th century design and lifestyle. Events are offered daily from Feb. 13 – 21.
Collaborators include the city of Palm Springs, Palm Springs Art Museum (PSAM), Palm Springs Preservation Foundation (PSPF), Palm Springs Modernism Committee (PSModCom), Palm Springs Historical Society (PSHS) and Dolphin Promotions. Some events are free; others require admission (available at the door or in advance online. More information is available at HYPERLINK "http://www.ModernismWeek.com" www.ModernismWeek.com.
Modernism Week is unique to Palm Springs and was developed as an extension of the Modernism Show, an antiques fair in its ninth year at the Convention Center. Both their successes are fitting, due to the city’s significant collection of preserved modernist buildings by renowned international architects. Noteworthy is the work of the collaborative groups, who originally formed and rallied in response to the demolition of rare architectural gems.
Palm Springs faces the challenges of balancing urban renewal with historical-site preservation. Discussions also revolve around sustainability and green technology. Upgrades may be compatible with vintage construction, but at what cost, and who will pay?
Enter Modernism Week as a forum for networking, appreciation and advocacy. Participants, numbering in the thousands, return annually to the celebrated sell-out events. Everyone that’s anyone in the design industry will be there — making Palm Springs a self-contained “home” reality show. And it’s all washed down with a big martini.
Schedule At-a-Glance:
Feb. 13
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Photography Exhibit. Features photographs documenting the history of modern architecture in Palm Springs. $1 at the door, PSHS Village Green, 221 S. Palm Canyon, near Arenas. Open Wednesday – Sunday throughout Modernism Week.
2 p.m.: Star Dedication – William Krisel. The public can meet the architect as his star is unveiled on the Star Walk of Fame. 300 S. Palm Canyon near Baristo. A reception will follow at the Viceroy luxury resort on Bellardo. Free, presented by PSModCom.
6 – 9 p.m.: Preview Reception, Modernism Show. More than 100 dealers present museum-quality furnishings, art, collectibles and books. This must-see show is the centerpiece of Modernism Week. Music, champagne and hors d’ouvres provided. Convention Center. Admission includes all-weekend pass, advance $75/$85 at door. Dolphin Promotions.
8 p.m. – midnight: Artist Reception. Shag presents “Abstraction Distraction,” a series of paintings and prints. Hard-edged graphics of jetsetters initially appear cartoonish, but the underlying references — often religious — give this fine art its message and depth. Cocktails provided, free, M Modern Gallery, 2500 N. Palm Canyon at Racquet Club.
Feb. 14
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Modernism Show continues at the Convention Center. $15 (advance or at the door).
1 – 4 p.m.: Book signing with Alan Hess. The architectural historian signs copies of his release Frank Lloyd Wright:The Buildings. Just Fabulous, 515 N. Palm Canyon, near Alejo.
8 p.m. – midnight: PSModCom Gala. Hipsters in Morrie Geyer and Pucci will shimmy to the sounds of DJ Victor Rodriguez at a chic private estate. The event includes hors d’ouvres and a hosted bar. Buy early — tickets will sell out ($100). PSModCom.
Feb. 15
9 a.m. and 1 p.m.: Double-decker bus tours. An open-air ride through the city, led by local historian Robert Imber of PS Modern Tours. Tickets are $75; departs from Riviera Resort, 1600 N. Indian at Vista Chino.
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Modernism Show, final day. $15 advance or at door, Convention Center.
1 – 4 p.m.: Book signing with Tim Street-Porter, author of LA Modern. Just Fabulous, 515 N. Palm Canyon at Alejo.
7:30 p.m.: Screening of Journeyman Architect: The Life and Work of Donald Wexler, including a feature on his accordion-roofed, steel houses that never went into production. $10, Camelot Theater, 2300 E. Baristo at Palm Springs Mall.
Feb. 16
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Open-house tour, Frey II. A must-see, this petite, site-specific home is built around a giant rock that seemingly spilled into the living room. Albert Frey, also renowned for his Tramway Gas Station, built this cliff-side home for himself with spectacular views over Coachella Valley. Shuttles circulate every 45 minutes from the museum. Reservations required, $50. A closing gala with cocktails is $100. PSAM, 101 Museum Drive, at Tahquitz.
9 a.m. and 1 p.m.: Double-decker bus tour. continues, $75, Riviera Resort, 1600 N. Indian at Vista Chino.
5 – 7 p.m.: Artist Reception, Orbit Inn. The contemporary art of four painters and one sculptor will be presented by Dezart Gallery in a modernist, boutique-resort setting. Includes wine and cheese, free, Orbit Inn, 562 W. Arenas.
Feb. 17
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Open-house tour, Frey II, continues.
6 p.m.: Screening of Herzog and DeMeuron: Alchemy of Building. This Swiss architectural partnership is best known for converting the Bankside Power Station in London into the present-day Tate Museum of Modern Art. Free, Annenburg Theater, PSAM, 101 Museum Drive at Tahquitz.
Feb. 18
2 p.m.: Interview with Julius Shulman. Author Michael Stern talks with the legendary photographer, who at 98 has seen it all — and has lots to say. Shulman is renowned for presenting modernist architecture as sculpture and fine art and exposing it to a global audience. Stern is author of Julius Shulman: Palm Springs. Free, Riviera Resort, 1600 N. Indian at Vista Chino.
7:30 p.m.: Screenings of The Hollywood Connection, a documentary by Eames dealer Steve Cabella featuring film-set designs by Charles Eames, and Executive Suite, a classic drama about the cattiness and vicious corporate politics of the home-furnishings industry, circa 1954. $10, Camelot Theater, 2300 E. Baristo, at Palm Springs Mall.
Feb. 19
6 p.m.: Lecture, “Havanna Before Castro.” Slide presentation and book signing by historian Peter Moruzzi, who shares past and present images of the Famous Tropicana de Cuba and Riviera nightclubs. $15 general admission; $10 for members, Annenburg Theater, PSAM.
6 – 10 p.m.: Villagefest, outdoor street fair, Palm Canyon, from Amado to Baristo
Feb. 20
5 – 8 p.m.: Retro Martini party. Guests will be shaken and stirred at Frank Sinatras 1946 Twin Palms estate, complete with piano-shaped pool. Hosted bar and hors d’ouvres. 1145 E. Via Colinas, off Hermosa. $125 advance required, through PSPF.
Feb. 21
9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.: Symposium, “Possessed: The Obsession of Ownership.” Panelists include Beth Harris, Kelly Lynch, Crosby Doe and architect Leo Marmol. Includes lunch, home tour and cocktail reception. $225 general admission; $175 for members. Architecture and Design Council, Annenburg Theater at PSAM.
For maps, advanced tickets and information, visit www.ModernismWeek.com.
Special thanks to Laine Scott at Retrospect (666. N. Palm Canyon), Dolphin Promotions and Palm Springs Exotic Car Auctions (244 N Indian) for providing photographic subjects.