L.A. Agenda: Design and Arts Events in Southern California
Author:Lindsey ShookVenice Beach has been slowly leaving its bohemian grit behind in favor of more urbane modernism. Peek inside four homes exemplifying the neighborhood’s boho chic transformation during this weekend’s AIA|LA Sping Home Tour. All of the architects featured are Venice residents, and all of their homes are prime examples of luxury designed underlined by sustainable principles. Sunday, May 19, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., $65 AIA members, $75 non-members, buy tickets here.
Feel like a Sunday drive? Check out Pasadena 1940 Forward: Residential Architecture of the Recent Past, a drive-yourself tour of six modern home in and around Pasadena. Stops include the Dorland House, designed by Lloyd Wright (Frank Lloyd Wright’s son). Docents will be available at each home to give a guided tour to guests. If you’re a NPR-lover, head to Pasadena Heritage’s oral history program on Fri., May 16 to hear recollections of some of the regions best-known modern architectures, including Don Hensman. House tour, Sun., May 19, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Tickets $40 members/$50 non-members. Lecture, Fri. May 16, 7:00 pm. To order tickets and for more information, click here.

Bankers Hill bar and restaurant, a project by Basile Studio. Photo courtesy of Basile Studio.
If you’ve ventured out for a night in San Diego, chances are you’ve come across the gorgeous interiors and exteriors of Basile Studio (think Polite Provisions and Soda & Swine). The San Diego Architectural Foundation will host an evening Inside the Design Studio with Paul Basile at Basile Studio. The night includes a craft cocktail hour, fabrication demonstration, interview, and Q&A segment with Basile and friends. Thursday, May 23, 6:30 – 10 p.m., 840 11th St. Downtown San Diego. Free for SDAF members, $20 for non-members and guests, buy tickets here.
Uncork a bottle of wine and unleash your inner Monet at Bravo School of Art in San Diego on Sat., May 18. Instructors will guide you as you paint your own impressionist masterpiece on a 16X20 inch canvas. Whether your piece ends up in a Parisian salon, your mantel or the back of the closet, a glass of wine and a taste of dark chocolate will ensure the night is a success. The cost of a ticket buys you paint, canvas, and use of supplies including brushes, easels and aprons. Event begins at 6 p.m. Sat., May 18. BYOB. Tickets are $45 per person. Tickets and for more information available here.
Head behind the Orange Curtain to the 18th Annual Muckenthaler Motor Car Festival. Eat, drink and be merry while Instagramming eight acres worth of classic hotrods. When you’re done, take a break and listen to live music at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center’s outdoor amphitheater. Sat. and Sun. May 18-19, Muckenthaler Cultural Center, Fullerton. Tickets $5. To order tickers and for more information click here.