Modernism Week 2020

 

In Palm Springs

 

We’ve attended Modernism Week in Palm Springs (PS) pretty regularly since we first started going in 2012. In the past, we were all about architectural tours. But this year we went for the lectures, Charles Phoenix, ceramic dinnerware, and Nancy Sinatra. Highlights follow below.

10AM, Saturday, and our first event was Charles Phoenix’s latest slide show extravaganza, “The Midcentury is My Muse.” Oddly enough, the show was more about Catalina Island than Palm Springs, but fun nonetheless. Plus we got to zip through the Palm Springs Museum of Art, where the event was held. New orange cushions enliven the museum steps, so we took a load off before taking an obligatory walk around town, including an homage visit to our favorite artist SHAG’s gallery. The weather was glorious.  We then attended a lecture on “The Kitchen of Tomorrow,” featuring Sarah Archer, author of The Midcentury Kitchen. It may be time to renovate our kitchen . . .

 

 On the museum steps

Palm Springs Museum of Art

 

SHAG store

 

We spent Sunday morning at a sold-out lecture and slide show about the fabulous TWA Hotel at JFK airport. We, of course, stayed there a year ago when it first opened and so felt like we were seeing an old friend. Wished we could go back soon, but instead visited the “Atomic Age Tablescapes” exhibit at the Welwood Murray Memorial Library in downtown PS. Amazing private collection.

 

 "Crazy Rhythm" by Red Wing Pottery

 

"Hopscotch" by Salem Pottery

 

 

"CA Aztec" by Metlox Potteries

 

"Aqua Marine" by Roselane Pottery

 

 

 

"CA Contempora" by Metlox Potteries

  

And finally . . . One of the things that originally brought Tim and me together was a mutual love of all things Sinatra: the music, the Rat Pack movies and, most of all, the oh-so-cool style. So naturally, we just had to attend a fundraiser event featuring Frank’s daughter Nancy. She brought along her daughters, their godfather James Darren (Vic Fontaine from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine!), and various musicians, who showed slides of the former Sinatra compound and reminisced about the good ol’ days in Palm Springs. Loved it all, especially when Nancy brought the house down by singing “These Boots Are Made For Walkin’.” Perfect ending to a perfect weekend.

 

 Tim and Frank in the Hyatt lobby

 Fundraiser to restore the Plaza Theatre

 Nancy Sinatra singing "Boots"