DragonFly Show : E.A.S.T.
I meant to post this last week. Sorry about the delay.
The first weekend just ended, did anyone go to this show? Any other modern architecture related E.A.S.T events?
Four days over two weekends, group art show for the East Austin Studio Tour including…
:: Michael Yates (www.michaelyatesdesign.com) 6-7 furniture pieces
:: Carey Russell (www.careyrussellphotography.com) cyanotypes and photographs
:: John Christensen (www.christensen-oko.com) 3 outdoor sculptures
:: Meg Stone (www.megstone.net) charcoals
:: Christa Palazzolo (www.christapalazzolo.com) oil paintings
:: TOGS (www.artallianceaustin.org/aia_togs_competition.html) from Art Alliance Austin.
at the DragonFly House by Cottam Hargrave at 5005 Red Bluff.
Come see us on Nov.14,15,21,22 (10am-5pm) for the tour!
Sponsored by Threshold Interiors, UrbanSpace Realty,
EcoSeries, Frank, Art Alliance Austin, and the American Institute of Architecture, Austin
This and that
Sorry about the post drying up. There seems to be very little new listings the past few months. I heard there was something amiss in financing last year, maybe that put a damper on things. I was filling that gap with some out of town stuff but it started to get over weighted on the balance. I haven’t been out taking pictures in months and months. Blame the evil heat, the job, slacking.
Today was day 1 of reshaping the landscaping / walk-way / patio area. Hopefully I can have people over again soon without fear of broken ankles and / or mud. I’ll posted pictures as it progresses.
Don’t forget the AIA Tour this weekend. You can check out the Mell Lawrence place pictured above.
Here are 2 homes that I listed a while ago that you may have missed. The price were updated somewhat recently as well.
AustinModHouse Kitchen Feature
Our friends over at AustinModHouse had their kitchen profiled in the latest issue of TRENDS.
Link to article here: trendideas.com
Fall 2009 – AIA Homes Tour
Thanks to Ryan for the heads up on the fall AIA tour.
Oct 10-11th.
More info at: www.aiahomestour.com
Cool Austin – AIA
An exhibition of Mid–Century Modern Architecture in the Capital City
This exhibition features fine examples of Austin’s own Mid–Century Mod ern structures, and keys off Birth of the Cool, now at the Blanton Museum of Art. Cool Austin includes architectural land marks like the Municipal Audito rium (now the Long Center) and Robert Mueller Air port. It showcases familiar building typologies that were estab lished in the 1950’s—the motor court motel, schools, churches and progressive homes spanning the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s.
Check out the driving tour they put together. I haven’t done it yet but it looks pretty comprehensive. I am thrilled they did that as it was something I’ve heard many ask for as well as wanted to do myself. Link to self guided mid-century tour map.
Monday Tidbits
Went by the new P. Terry’s on Lamar designed by Michael Hsu. Great update on the 1950’s diner style. Often diners attempt to nail the retro thing but never really make it their own in the process. Not so here. P. Terry’s holds its own on the burger and fries front as well (though Five Guys holds the edge the burger front).
Checked out the Lakemore open house yesterday. As good as the pictures may be, the house is simply incredible. Reminds me of LA or Palm Spring style mid-century. A place built for entertaining. Anyone want to by modernaustin.com for $800k?
Lastly, I have roughly 30 ‘vintage’ Dwell magazines to give away to anyone who wants them. Spanning 2002 to 2004. Re-live Dwell’s transformation from a skinny little magazine with spunk to a magazine chalked full of ads and self-importance (new motto: triple the size, half the content). I kid of course. Mostly. I also have a year’s worth of Architectural Record from 2003 / 2004.
First come, first serve (though I will bump you up in line for the aforementioned $800k).
Kaleidoscope of Chairs: The Films of Charles and Ray Eames at Domy Books
Domy Books and AIGA Ausitin will be screening approximately two hours worth of the Eameses’ impressive body of work. The screening is a fitting companion for the new Midcentury-Modern exhibit, Birth of the Cool, that is currently on view at The Blanton. Thursday’s film screening beings at 7:30pm and proceeds from the $5 suggested donation go to the Austin chapter of the AIGA.
Birth of Cool Opening
I didn’t make it to the Birth of Cool Opening this week at the Blanton, but friends Andy and Emily did. Check out Andy’s photo set here.
Cottam Hargrave featurette
A short feature on Cottam Hargrave and how it is easier to get the attention of architects and builders right now. The linked article has the video from the news segment on which it originally aired.
Art Tonight @ IF+D
Per the announcement:
Our good friends at the Artseen Alliance have brought together another amazing group of varied artists that will be exhibiting at, in, and around IF+D. In egalitarian alphabetical order, because we love ‘em all, the artists are:
Andrea Burden : paintings
Aaron Geiser : photography
Rene Geneva : eco-chic fashions
Jennifer Prichard : ceramic wall installation
Megan Molly Whitten : jewelry
Hank Waddell : sculpture
Reception will be on February 12th from 6-9pm with music by DJ Starsign.
… and it’s not just us. Other stores in the 2nd Street District will be joining the event by extending business hours, offering specials, and perhaps dancing the tango. These good folk include milk+honey, Studio 563, Shiki, Girl Next Door, Eliza Page, and Sana.
More info here.
“Birth of the Cool” Architecture Lecture Series
In addition to the exhibit at the Blanton Museum of Art, UT is doing an architecture lecture series on Mid-Century Modern:
Pierre Koenig. The Eames chair. California cool. This five-lecture series explores some of the most important developments in American architecture and interior design of the 1950s and early ’60s, a period famous for its aesthetic of cool, sleek modernism. Designed to complement the nationally acclaimed “Birth of the Cool: California Art, Design, and Culture at Midcentury” exhibition hosted at the Blanton Museum of Art February 22–May 17, 2009, the series examines the dynamic architects and designers whose innovative work shaped American postwar culture and whose influence is still felt in our continued fascination with modernist cool. Lectures are led by outstanding School of Architecture faculty with wide-ranging expertise in the roots and influences of modernism. Topics include Frank Lloyd Wright, the Case Study House program, Joseph Eichler’s postwar projects of mass-scale modernism, the deconstruction of “cool” in furniture and interior design, and postwar experiments with prefabrication. Don’t miss this informed and inspiring tour of some of the most iconic buildings and furniture of the twentieth century.
Dates: Five Thursdays, Feb. 19–March 26 (no class March 19)
Time: 7:00–8:30 p.m.
Series Fee: $130 (discounted to $104 for select groups)
Single Lecture: $30
Photo is of Nuetra’s Ohara Residence.
Birth of Cool Exhibit
Julius Shulman — Photograph of Case Study House #21 (Pierre Koenig, Los Angeles, 1958), 1958
Birth of the Cool: California Art, Design, and Culture at Midcentury
This winter the Blanton Museum of Art is pleased to present Birth of the Cool: California Art, Design, and Culture at Midcentury, on view February 22 through May 17. One of the most ambitious exhibitions ever organized on this seminal period, Birth of the Cool encompasses the painting, architecture, furniture design, decorative and graphic arts, film, and music that launched mid–century modernism in the United States and established Los Angeles as a major American cultural center. The influence of these modernist practices on contemporary art and culture has been widespread, and today the styles associated with this period have become shorthand for beauty, sophistication, and confident urbanity. Birth of the Cool, organized by the Orange County Museum of Art, Newport Beach, California, comes to the Blanton for the fifth and final stop of a successful tour of both the west and east coasts. “This is a perfect show for Austin,” says Blanton Interim Director Ann Wilson. “The ‘cool’ aesthetic that the exhibition celebrates is very much evident in the lifestyle of our city.” Annette Dimeo Carlozzi, curator of American and contemporary art for the Blanton adds, “Birth of the Cool is inspired by musical experimentation, but also examines the inter–connectedness of many visual art forms––painting, graphic design, film, architecture and design, and photography, among them––which feels very much like Austin’s creative energy at this moment. Austin has always had a great affinity for California, and since mid–century modernism is so fashionable, the show will be a marvelous opportunity to see where some of these signature styles emerged from.” In celebration of “all things cool,” the Blanton is planning a wide range of programs with other university departments and community venues and organizations. Film screenings, music performances and other events will be held in conjunction with the exhibition.
The Granger House
“Inherit Austin, which is part of the Heritage Society of Austin is having an event at the Granger House Wednesday night (805 W. 16th St.) from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m, which will feature a discussion of Mid-Century Modern Design and the renovation of the historic house. The Granger house was built in 1952 by noted local architect Charles Granger and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The current owners, Jeff Harper & Mark Seeger renovated the house a few years ago. Jay Farrell, a local architect who is known for his work on Mid-Century Modern renovations, was responsible for both the architecture and interior design of the project. Jay will lead the discussion about the house and will also talk about the renovation. Some custom furniture design and furniture selections done by Laurie Smith Design Associates.”
(btw, the picture is not of the Granger house, the one above is no longer there in the current form as it is being torn down to the studs and rock and remodeled).
Update: Apparently it is a Heritage Soceity members only thing.
Marfa
We visited Marfa over Memorial Day weekend staying at the Thunderbird Motel. The Thunderbird was recently renovated with the help of Bob Harris of Lake | Flato (who do exceptional work in my book, though this place was fairly straightforward in design).
You probably know the history of Marfa, so I’ll save you all that. If not, here is a wikipedia entry to get you going. If you want to get out of town for the weekend, I fully recommend making the trip (and taking the rural routes where possible).
Click here for a small photo tour of our stay in Marfa. This set is edited down to focus on the modern inspired buildings around town.
