"Home for the Holidays" at the La Cienega Design Quarter: 12/3-12/4

The La Cienega Design Quarter expands on their popular Spring, "Legends" event with "Home for the Holidays," December 3rd and 4th. LCDQ's Design retailers invite you to celebrate the holidays with special hours and events, including book-signings, trunk shows, cocktail parties, exhibitions, and most importantly special pricing! Check out standout events, such as Ceramicist, Gabriella Hoffman's “Soul Ornament” jewelry trunk show at the Szalon Antiques showroom, Lee Stanton's live, street-art exhibition of celebrated LA graffiti artist Louis Carreon, and a special open house event at Jean De Merry. The complete schedule of events are listed HERE.

-S

"Home for the Holidays" at the La Cienega Design Quarter: 12/3-12/4

The La Cienega Design Quarter expands on their popular Spring, "Legends" event with "Home for the Holidays," December 3rd and 4th. LCDQ's Design retailers invite you to celebrate the holidays with special hours and events, including book-signings, trunk shows, cocktail parties, exhibitions, and most importantly special pricing! Check out standout events, such as Ceramicist, Gabriella Hoffman's “Soul Ornament” jewelry trunk show at the Szalon Antiques showroom, Lee Stanton's live, street-art exhibition of celebrated LA graffiti artist Louis Carreon, and a special open house event at Jean De Merry. The complete schedule of events are listed HERE.

-S

Curious Curiosities at Voila!

I had the pleasure of attending Voila! gallery's launch party for their new line of custom moulding designs by Martyn Lawrence-Bullard. The new line is beautiful and quintessentially MLB of course, but it was the entire collection of interesting curiosities that really blew me away about the showroom. Voila! explores, discovers and exhibits their treasures, mixing vintage oddities with antiques and contemporary art, to truly create an authentic space with a unique point of view. As gallery owner and designer, Katrien van der Schueren explains, "we mix old with new [and] we make our own creations, edgy with a sense for humor. I am from Belgium, and surrealism is close to my heart and my aesthetic."

I'll let their work do the rest of the talking. For more info and to check out their entire collection, check out: Voila!

Friend Voila! on FB


-S

Curious Curiosities at Voila!

I had the pleasure of attending Voila! gallery's launch party for their new line of custom moulding designs by Martyn Lawrence-Bullard. The new line is beautiful and quintessentially MLB of course, but it was the entire collection of interesting curiosities that really blew me away about the showroom. Voila! explores, discovers and exhibits their treasures, mixing vintage oddities with antiques and contemporary art, to truly create an authentic space with a unique point of view. As gallery owner and designer, Katrien van der Schueren explains, "we mix old with new [and] we make our own creations, edgy with a sense for humor. I am from Belgium, and surrealism is close to my heart and my aesthetic."

I'll let their work do the rest of the talking. For more info and to check out their entire collection, check out: Voila!

Friend Voila! on FB


-S

Thomas Hamel Book Signing

International interior designer, Thomas Hamel, presents his first book, Residence, an inspiring retrospective featuring an eclectic array of breathtaking homes – from waterfront villas in Sydney and Melbourne to a stylish retreat in Windsor, Florida, and a sprawling farmhouse in Luberon, France. Hamel worked for the venerable design duo Sister Parish and Albert Hadley in New York before embarking on a 20-year adventure to Australia, where he established a prominent interior design firm whose projects include some of the country’s most prestigious homes.

If you're attending Fall market at the PDC, Thomas Hamel will be signing copies of Residence at the glorious Thomas Lavin showroom, Thursday, September 23, 1PM. RSVP to: rsvp@thomaslavin.com

Thomas Hamel Book Signing

International interior designer, Thomas Hamel, presents his first book, Residence, an inspiring retrospective featuring an eclectic array of breathtaking homes – from waterfront villas in Sydney and Melbourne to a stylish retreat in Windsor, Florida, and a sprawling farmhouse in Luberon, France. Hamel worked for the venerable design duo Sister Parish and Albert Hadley in New York before embarking on a 20-year adventure to Australia, where he established a prominent interior design firm whose projects include some of the country’s most prestigious homes.

If you're attending Fall market at the PDC, Thomas Hamel will be signing copies of Residence at the glorious Thomas Lavin showroom, Thursday, September 23, 1PM. RSVP to: rsvp@thomaslavin.com

Lee Stanton Antiques POP-UP Event, 9/20

For my L.A. designers and/or design shopaholics!

I love a good pop-up store, and Lee Stanton Antiques is doing just that, bringing their warehouse to LA for 1 month starting Monday, September 20th. With their neighbor moving to a larger showroom across the street, LSA is taking over the temporary space next door to feature items from their popular Newport Beach warehouse. They're making room for a new shipment from a recent buying trip to Europe, so word is that there will be special deals during this limited time event.

Now, who has a flatbed truck I can borrow?!

-S

Lee Stanton Antiques POP-UP Event, 9/20

For my L.A. designers and/or design shopaholics!

I love a good pop-up store, and Lee Stanton Antiques is doing just that, bringing their warehouse to LA for 1 month starting Monday, September 20th. With their neighbor moving to a larger showroom across the street, LSA is taking over the temporary space next door to feature items from their popular Newport Beach warehouse. They're making room for a new shipment from a recent buying trip to Europe, so word is that there will be special deals during this limited time event.

Now, who has a flatbed truck I can borrow?!

-S

Greg Gorman Retrospective, 9/15

For my photography junkies in L.A. ...The opening of the Greg Gorman photography exhibition, "A Distinct Vision: 1970-2010," at the PDC, September 15th.

The retrospective exhibition celebrates four decades of photography by Greg Gorman.

Greg will give a lecture at 2:00 PM on September 15, 2010 in the Blue Conference Center (Suite B259) followed by an artist’s tour of the show and book signing.

Later that evening, he will attend the public opening celebration from 7:00 PM – 9:00PM.

The show will be on view September 15 through October 29, 2010.

Best known for his celebrity portraits and nudes, Gorman’s exhibition will include 190+ images. Specially highlighted will be works featured in his most recent book, “In Their Youth,” including previously unpublished images of celebrities Leonardo Di Caprio, Viggo Mortensen, Johnny Depp, Rupert Everett, Keanu Reeves, Mark Wahlberg, Jude Law and Tom Cruise.

Greg Gorman Retrospective, 9/15

For my photography junkies in L.A. ...The opening of the Greg Gorman photography exhibition, "A Distinct Vision: 1970-2010," at the PDC, September 15th.

The retrospective exhibition celebrates four decades of photography by Greg Gorman.

Greg will give a lecture at 2:00 PM on September 15, 2010 in the Blue Conference Center (Suite B259) followed by an artist’s tour of the show and book signing.

Later that evening, he will attend the public opening celebration from 7:00 PM – 9:00PM.

The show will be on view September 15 through October 29, 2010.

Best known for his celebrity portraits and nudes, Gorman’s exhibition will include 190+ images. Specially highlighted will be works featured in his most recent book, “In Their Youth,” including previously unpublished images of celebrities Leonardo Di Caprio, Viggo Mortensen, Johnny Depp, Rupert Everett, Keanu Reeves, Mark Wahlberg, Jude Law and Tom Cruise.

Alejandro Vigilante Debuts in Buenos Aires

Photo credit | Ginny Dixon

In an effort to keep all of us culturally informed on an international level, here's a quick FYI for art enthusiasts who may be in Buenos Aires next month.

By Saxon Henry

Artist Alejandro Vigilante’s iArt Movement will debut in Daniel Maman Gallery in Buenos Aires on September 23, 2010. The exhibition will be the Argentine-born artist’s first solo exhibition in his home country.

Beyond execution and the medium, Vigilante believes the soul of art is the idea, so it is idea with a capital “I” that charted his course as he set out to create a movement that would stand the test of time. The inspiration for his iArt Movement was found in the Pop Art Movement of the 1950’s and 60’s. “What’s more pop than internet?” he asks in response to those who inquire as to the title of his movement. As far as he is concerned, the answer is simple: “Nothing.” He also firmly believes that if the Pop Artists were beginning their movement today, the internet would figure as strongly in their works as it does in his.

Alejandro Vigilante Debuts in Buenos Aires

Photo credit | Ginny Dixon

In an effort to keep all of us culturally informed on an international level, here's a quick FYI for art enthusiasts who may be in Buenos Aires next month.

By Saxon Henry

Artist Alejandro Vigilante’s iArt Movement will debut in Daniel Maman Gallery in Buenos Aires on September 23, 2010. The exhibition will be the Argentine-born artist’s first solo exhibition in his home country.

Beyond execution and the medium, Vigilante believes the soul of art is the idea, so it is idea with a capital “I” that charted his course as he set out to create a movement that would stand the test of time. The inspiration for his iArt Movement was found in the Pop Art Movement of the 1950’s and 60’s. “What’s more pop than internet?” he asks in response to those who inquire as to the title of his movement. As far as he is concerned, the answer is simple: “Nothing.” He also firmly believes that if the Pop Artists were beginning their movement today, the internet would figure as strongly in their works as it does in his.

URBAN HIKE: Echo Park – This Sunday!

“Nobody walks in L.A” – Well, they do now!

The A+D museum presents URBAN HIKE: Forgotten L.A. w/ “Mike the Poet.” For my adventurers out there, come take an excursion through the cultural, historical and architectural gems of Los Angeles, with walking poem performances by your tour guide, “Mike the Poet.” The summer lineup of weekend tours includes Echo Park (7/18,) MacArthur Park (8/1) and the L.A. River (8/8) at 11AM. This is walking tour meets treasure hunt meets performance art, AKA – amazing!

This week:

Echo Park: Sunday, July 18 at 11:00 am. Email the event organizers with questions at info@aplusd.org or call 323.932.9393

Some deets about “Mike the Poet:”

Los Angeles poet and native Mike Sonksen, aka ‘Mike The Poet’, performs his poems live and loud while providing a cultural, historical and architectural tour exploring the forgotten and hidden gems in our City of Angels. Mike is widely acclaimed for his live performances, contributions to international publications and legendary city tours with A+D Museum, Red Line and The Museum of Neon Art. Poet, journalist, historian, tour guide, and teacher, Mike is published in Citybeat, O.C. Weekly, New Angeles, L.A. Weekly & many others. A third generation L.A. native, Mike graduated from UCLA in 1997. His book I AM ALIVE IN LOS ANGELES! has been added to the curriculum of several universities and receives rave reviews.

URBAN HIKE: Echo Park – This Sunday!

“Nobody walks in L.A” – Well, they do now!

The A+D museum presents URBAN HIKE: Forgotten L.A. w/ “Mike the Poet.” For my adventurers out there, come take an excursion through the cultural, historical and architectural gems of Los Angeles, with walking poem performances by your tour guide, “Mike the Poet.” The summer lineup of weekend tours includes Echo Park (7/18,) MacArthur Park (8/1) and the L.A. River (8/8) at 11AM. This is walking tour meets treasure hunt meets performance art, AKA – amazing!

This week:

Echo Park: Sunday, July 18 at 11:00 am. Email the event organizers with questions at info@aplusd.org or call 323.932.9393

Some deets about “Mike the Poet:”

Los Angeles poet and native Mike Sonksen, aka ‘Mike The Poet’, performs his poems live and loud while providing a cultural, historical and architectural tour exploring the forgotten and hidden gems in our City of Angels. Mike is widely acclaimed for his live performances, contributions to international publications and legendary city tours with A+D Museum, Red Line and The Museum of Neon Art. Poet, journalist, historian, tour guide, and teacher, Mike is published in Citybeat, O.C. Weekly, New Angeles, L.A. Weekly & many others. A third generation L.A. native, Mike graduated from UCLA in 1997. His book I AM ALIVE IN LOS ANGELES! has been added to the curriculum of several universities and receives rave reviews.

A+D Presents COME IN! A Spatial Intervention. Kick-Off Event, July 14th

The Architecture + Design Museum of Los Angeles is pleased to present, COME IN! A Spatial Intervention, July 14 - August 30.
A+D has invited some of Los Angeles’ freshest talents to intervene in our galleries. Up and coming designers from various disciplines will create installations with A+D Museum as their canvas. The exhibition will continually transform as the works are in progress, organically morphing and expanding to offer museum visitors a new experience from day-to-day. On July 14, from 6-9PM, A+D will host an A+D Members Only evening to celebrate the intervention kick-off and give members a chance to meet and greet with the participants. On August 11, from 6-9PM, A+D will host THEY CAME! - a culmination party to celebrate the completed works. The interventions will remain on view through August 30.

In addition to the installations, a pop-up shop will offer limited edition works and items for sale from COME IN! participants.

COME IN! Participants include:

Graphic Design
Ashkahn Shahparnia
Alia Penner
Brian Gossett
DKNG Studios

Architecture
B+U
Design Bitches
Heyday Partnership
Layer
LOC llc Architects
Oyler Wu Collaborative

Clothing Design
Filius

Jewelry Design
ShadowPlay Collection

Film
Evan Mather

Installation Artists
Travis Frankel/Daniel Lehrer


About A+D Museum
Architecture + Design Museum Los Angeles is the only museum in southern California focused exclusively on progressive architecture, design, and urbanism. A+D opened in January 2001 in the Bradbury Building. Since then it has provided a forum for these contemporary issues that shape our city and the greater region. A+D Museum’s innovative programming encourages fresh thinking among a broad and inclusive audience of design professionals, students of all ages and the general public. A+D hosts shows that would not take place at any other venue in southern California. As a new and vital institution, A+D museum has been nimble and resourceful, able to respond quickly to fast-breaking opportunities. A+D Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit institution, supported by its members; corporations and foundations; government grants; and special event revenues. A+D is a proud member of the International Confederation of Architectural Museums (ICAM) and the American Association of Museums (AAM).

The mission of A+D Museum is to celebrate and promote an awareness of progressive architecture and design in everyday life through exhibits, educational programs and public outreach.

For more information about the A+D Museum please visit: www.aplusd.org.

A+D Presents COME IN! A Spatial Intervention. Kick-Off Event, July 14th

The Architecture + Design Museum of Los Angeles is pleased to present, COME IN! A Spatial Intervention, July 14 - August 30.
A+D has invited some of Los Angeles’ freshest talents to intervene in our galleries. Up and coming designers from various disciplines will create installations with A+D Museum as their canvas. The exhibition will continually transform as the works are in progress, organically morphing and expanding to offer museum visitors a new experience from day-to-day. On July 14, from 6-9PM, A+D will host an A+D Members Only evening to celebrate the intervention kick-off and give members a chance to meet and greet with the participants. On August 11, from 6-9PM, A+D will host THEY CAME! - a culmination party to celebrate the completed works. The interventions will remain on view through August 30.

In addition to the installations, a pop-up shop will offer limited edition works and items for sale from COME IN! participants.

COME IN! Participants include:

Graphic Design
Ashkahn Shahparnia
Alia Penner
Brian Gossett
DKNG Studios

Architecture
B+U
Design Bitches
Heyday Partnership
Layer
LOC llc Architects
Oyler Wu Collaborative

Clothing Design
Filius

Jewelry Design
ShadowPlay Collection

Film
Evan Mather

Installation Artists
Travis Frankel/Daniel Lehrer


About A+D Museum
Architecture + Design Museum Los Angeles is the only museum in southern California focused exclusively on progressive architecture, design, and urbanism. A+D opened in January 2001 in the Bradbury Building. Since then it has provided a forum for these contemporary issues that shape our city and the greater region. A+D Museum’s innovative programming encourages fresh thinking among a broad and inclusive audience of design professionals, students of all ages and the general public. A+D hosts shows that would not take place at any other venue in southern California. As a new and vital institution, A+D museum has been nimble and resourceful, able to respond quickly to fast-breaking opportunities. A+D Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit institution, supported by its members; corporations and foundations; government grants; and special event revenues. A+D is a proud member of the International Confederation of Architectural Museums (ICAM) and the American Association of Museums (AAM).

The mission of A+D Museum is to celebrate and promote an awareness of progressive architecture and design in everyday life through exhibits, educational programs and public outreach.

For more information about the A+D Museum please visit: www.aplusd.org.

Joseph Szabo: "Jones Beach" Reception Tonight!

M+B (AKA my favorite photography gallery in L.A.) is pleased to present "Jones Beach," an exhibition of black and white photographs by Joseph Szabo. Images of tanned muscle men, catwalk-like displays of beach wear, heavily oiled skin, masses of sprayed hair, and all the pageantry of adolescence reveal the dynamics of a beach that was a true melting pot of humanity.

There will be an opening reception for the artist on tonight, June 10 from 6 to 8pm and a book signing for Szabo's newly released monograph by Abrams Books with introduction by Vince Aletti titled Jones Beach, on Saturday, June 12 from 2 to 4pm. The exhibition will run from June 10, 2010 to August 14, 2010.

Somewhat of an expert on the subject of teenagers with his previous works "Almost Grown" and "Teenage," Szabo began shooting at Jones Beach one summer when his usual subjects – his photography students from Malverne High School – were no longer readily available. He chronicled the public and the private lives displayed on this ocean playground that is one of the world’s busiest beaches. Even if we weren’t there to enjoy the good weather and excellent people watching, we have these photographs which turn a captive eye to the urban masses who came out to celebrate their weekends, holidays and summers.

Jones Beach reveals the forces in motion at such a theater of humanness, from moments of quiet introspection to flashy exuberance. Called the “people’s palace by the sea”, Jones Beach is still a unique space very different from the commercial appeal of Coney Island or the privileged seclusion of the Hamptons. On this democratic stretch of sand and ocean class, race, and other potential divisions were temporarily forgotten and Szabo’s sympathetic lens was there to capture it all.

For more information, please visit M+B's website: www.mbart.com.

Joseph Szabo: "Jones Beach" Reception Tonight!

M+B (AKA my favorite photography gallery in L.A.) is pleased to present "Jones Beach," an exhibition of black and white photographs by Joseph Szabo. Images of tanned muscle men, catwalk-like displays of beach wear, heavily oiled skin, masses of sprayed hair, and all the pageantry of adolescence reveal the dynamics of a beach that was a true melting pot of humanity.

There will be an opening reception for the artist on tonight, June 10 from 6 to 8pm and a book signing for Szabo's newly released monograph by Abrams Books with introduction by Vince Aletti titled Jones Beach, on Saturday, June 12 from 2 to 4pm. The exhibition will run from June 10, 2010 to August 14, 2010.

Somewhat of an expert on the subject of teenagers with his previous works "Almost Grown" and "Teenage," Szabo began shooting at Jones Beach one summer when his usual subjects – his photography students from Malverne High School – were no longer readily available. He chronicled the public and the private lives displayed on this ocean playground that is one of the world’s busiest beaches. Even if we weren’t there to enjoy the good weather and excellent people watching, we have these photographs which turn a captive eye to the urban masses who came out to celebrate their weekends, holidays and summers.

Jones Beach reveals the forces in motion at such a theater of humanness, from moments of quiet introspection to flashy exuberance. Called the “people’s palace by the sea”, Jones Beach is still a unique space very different from the commercial appeal of Coney Island or the privileged seclusion of the Hamptons. On this democratic stretch of sand and ocean class, race, and other potential divisions were temporarily forgotten and Szabo’s sympathetic lens was there to capture it all.

For more information, please visit M+B's website: www.mbart.com.

Design Solution w/ Jean De Merry

Last Friday, I attended the grand opening party of one of my favorite interior design houses, Jean De Merry, at their new Melrose Place location. The gala was also a premier for Douglas Friedman's latest photography exhibit "Take It Off," which was an event in itself. The level of taste, style, and elegance brought by Jean De Merry is unmatched in L.A., and guests such as Tommy Hilfiger, Ryan and Tatum O'Neal, Tara Subkoff, Margaret Russell, Randolph Duke, Noa Tishby, Steven Weber, Robert Verdi, Rupaul and Bradley Garlock came out to support this spectacular affair.

Rather than show you pics of people smiling and drinking champagne at the gala, I'd like to focus our attention to a tangible interior design solution that I believe Jean De Merry has executed so well. As a hoarder of books and magazines, I'm constantly challenged in the way I store my collection. Many of us in the creative industries use our archive for inspiration, so the pages need to be close, visible and on hand when we need it. The images I snapped at Jean De Merry show a smart way at storing and yet showcasing magazines and books. When I spotted this particular living room vignette, I couldn't stop starring. For some, this may look a little messy, but I have to argue that the placement of these books around the coffee table is pure style and sophistication. I'm going to try doing this at home... maybe you will too.

Bless this mess,

-S

Design Solution w/ Jean De Merry

Last Friday, I attended the grand opening party of one of my favorite interior design houses, Jean De Merry, at their new Melrose Place location. The gala was also a premier for Douglas Friedman's latest photography exhibit "Take It Off," which was an event in itself. The level of taste, style, and elegance brought by Jean De Merry is unmatched in L.A., and guests such as Tommy Hilfiger, Ryan and Tatum O'Neal, Tara Subkoff, Margaret Russell, Randolph Duke, Noa Tishby, Steven Weber, Robert Verdi, Rupaul and Bradley Garlock came out to support this spectacular affair.

Rather than show you pics of people smiling and drinking champagne at the gala, I'd like to focus our attention to a tangible interior design solution that I believe Jean De Merry has executed so well. As a hoarder of books and magazines, I'm constantly challenged in the way I store my collection. Many of us in the creative industries use our archive for inspiration, so the pages need to be close, visible and on hand when we need it. The images I snapped at Jean De Merry show a smart way at storing and yet showcasing magazines and books. When I spotted this particular living room vignette, I couldn't stop starring. For some, this may look a little messy, but I have to argue that the placement of these books around the coffee table is pure style and sophistication. I'm going to try doing this at home... maybe you will too.

Bless this mess,

-S