LA Agenda: Design and Arts Events in Southern California
Author:Valerie ChenWe’ve got your weekly dose of Southern California art and design destinations!
Sustainable home design is increased at least tenfold with architect Isabelle Duvivier’s Venice LEED Platinum home, also known as the Brooks Residence. As the introductory subject of the “Architect as Patron” tour series held by the Society of Architectural Historians/Southern California Chapter (SAH/SCC), the remodeled craftsman-style residence typifies efficiency with its natural ventilation and lighting, low-flow plumbing fixtures, solar panel system and a front-yard vegetable garden – merely a sampling of its numerous sustainable features. Attend the 2-hour construction and design tour to gain a better understanding of these environmentally responsive concepts. Sunday, September 22, 1 – 3 p.m. SAH/SCC Life and Patron Member admission: $15; seating will be made available for general membership on first-come, first-serve basis. Space is limited. Sign up for SAH/SCC membership here. Email info@sahscc.org to be put on the waiting list.
Interior designer and HGTV star Sandra Espinet has integrated her passion for globetrotting and her love of design by chronicling both elements in her first book, “The Well Traveled Home.” Whether it’s textiles from Bhutan or pottery from the villages of the Sahara desert, Espinet doesn’t mind traveling the extra mile (or thousands of miles) to discover eclectic faraway treasures and then incorporate them in luxury decor. Prepare to be inspired by the exotic flair displayed in 175 photographs, and don’t forget to bring your copy to one of the three Southern California book signings this month
– Wednesday, September 18, noon – 2 p.m. Aga John, Laguna Design Center, 23811 Aliso Creek Rd., Suite 121, Laguna Niguel.
– Wednesday, September 18, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Phyllis Morris and Anichini, 655 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood.
– Thursday, September 19, 5 – 7 p.m. Aga John, Pacific Design Center, 8687 Melrose Ave., Suite B538, West Hollywood.
Many of the world’s top architects and designers, along with design enthusiasts, will convene in the scenic Pacific Grove for this year’s Monterey Design Conference, which kicks off September 27. Discussions, walking tours, exhibits, networking opportunities and after-hour events span the inclusive agenda. Arrive a day early to treat yourself to a pre-conference discourse of local modernism in architecture; stay put for post-conference events, including a residential tour of regional modern design; and an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Runs Friday, September 27 through Sunday, September 29; conference schedule available here. Full conference admission: $600, Saturday-only admission: $225. Asilomar Conference Grounds, 800 Asilomar Ave., Pacific Grove.
With her sculptural work, Los Angeles-based artist Karen Lofgren intelligently draws from history and philosophy to lead viewers through a dynamic journey of the familiar, the unfamiliar, and the difference between belief and illusion. Karen Lofgren: Stabilizers is a temporary exhibit at the Armory Center for the Arts, featuring diversely shaped and structured pieces of metal. These minimal objects are scattered throughout the Armory stairway wall edges and corners; areas where passersby typically would overlook or deem unworthy of a lingering glance. Lofgren, however, challenges architectural infrastructure and its consumers to surpass predetermined limitations. Runs through July 31, 2014. Open Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays), noon – 5 p.m. General admission: $5 suggested donation; Seniors, Students and Armory Members: free. Armory Center for the Arts, 145 North Raymond Ave., Pasadena.
