The Agenda: Impossible Light, American Craft Council, and Concours d’Elegance
Author:Lindsey ShookFilm
San Francisco’s much talked about Bay Lights project comes to SoCal with this stunning documentary by Jeremy Ambers. In case you’re new to the Bay Lights, it’s an impressive public art project on San Francisco’s Bay Bridge—25,000 LED lights on the bridge cables that sparkle every night from dusk to dawn. Ambers captures the stories of the small team responsible for this grand project, from drawing room to board room. The fascinating film had its world premiere at SXSW earlier this year and became an official selection at the San Francisco International Film Festival.
When: 7 p.m., Tues. 8/5
Where: Museum of Photographic Arts, 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego
Talk
Salon Doré with Martin Chapman and Alisa Carroll
The Salon Doré, a recently restored addition to the Legion of Honor, is one of the most superb examples of a French Neoclassical interior. Even if you’re more a fan of modern minimalism, this is a must-see for every design enthusiast. This week, Curator of European Decorative Arts at San Francisco’s Fine Art Museums, Martin Chapman, will join Editor-in-Chief of San Francisco Cottages & Gardens, Alisa Carroll, in a lunchtime conversation that looks behind-the-scenes of this masterpiece. Food will be served during the event.
When: 12 – 2 p.m., Wed. 8/6
Where: De Sousa Hughes, Showplace 220, SF Design Center, 2 Henry Adams St., San Francisco
Shopping
Touted as the largest “Made-in-America” shopping event in the country, you’ll find goods from more than 350 vetted sellers. Meet the designers and artists while you shop an expansive array of design wares. Admission gets you unlimited entry on both days of the expo. If you need a place to shack up for the night, the Ace Hotel DTLA is offering a 10% discount if you use the code “unique.” Road trip?
When: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sat. 8/9 and Sun. 8/10
Where: The Penthouse at California Market Center, 110 E. Ninth St., Los Angeles
Elizabeth Lundburg, Courtesy of American Craft Council
Design Expo + Trunk Show
American Craft Council Show + Jiun Ho Sneak Preview
This is handcrafted at its finest. The American Craft Council Show brings together more than 225 contemporary designers with their jewelry, clothing, furniture, and home decor. It’s the largest juried craft show west of the Rockies! Don’t miss the “Make Room,” a home entertaining exhibit that illustrates craft in context with room vignettes styled by designers and architects. But before you head into the weekend long extravaganza, get a sneak preview at Jiun Ho Gallery. The preview and trunk show (all displayed items are for sale) event will have live music, specialty cocktails, wine, and small bites, plus the chance to get some 1-on-1 time with some of the craft show’s featured artists. Bonus: Attendees will receive two tickets to the ACC show.
When: Jiun Ho preview, 6 – 9 p.m., Wed. 8/6; ACC Show, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Fri. 8/8, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sat. 8/9, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sun. 8/10
Where: Jiun Ho preview, Jiun Ho Gallery, 1180 Folsom St.; ACC Show, Fort Mason Center, 2 Marina Blvd., San Francisco
Exhibition
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be a wealthy car collector to attend the annual Concours d’Elegance at Pebble Beach. Just throw on some pearls and get yourself a general admission ticket. If you can play hooky for the day, you’ll want to see the cars in action during the grand tour, which traces portions of the breathtaking 17-mile drive and nearby scenic roads. Spectators are welcome to view the tour at key points along the route (Ocean Ave. in Carmel is a good spot). Then, on Sunday, check out a series of “concept cars” and new cars showcasing cutting-edge and future-thinking design. Bentley, one of the event’s key sponsors, will have a Design Studio pop-up, where attendees can “customize” their own Bentley (colors, features, etc.) and see the brand’s fine design elements firsthand—the leather interiors are all hand stitched, and cars feature mobile office “tray tables” that fold down from the front seat to reveal an iPad docking station, built-in keyboard, and wifi.
When: Tour d’Elegance, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Thurs. 8/14; Concours d’Elegance, 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Sun. 8/17
Where: The Lodge at Pebble Beach, 1700 Seventeen Mile Dr., Pebble Beach
Courtesy of Unfinished Spaces
Film
Three young architects were selected by the Cuban government in 1961 to build a series of national art schools in Havana. But shortly after construction of their radical designs began, their work came to an abrupt stop—the impending revolution became a reality. Now, 40 years later, the schools remain unfinished, prompting the government to invite the exiled artists back to save their unrealized masterpieces from decay. Contribute to the suggested donation and score a complimentary glass of wine with your screening.
When: 7 p.m., Mon. 8/18
Where: San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo
Book Talk
Jeanine Hays and Bryan Mason, the founders of interior design blog, AphroChic, will make their way to Room & Board for a special event. Join them as they share inspiration from their new book REMIX: Decorating with Culture, Objects, and Soul. The regular contributors to HGTV and About.com will share tips on how to use global decor and handcrafted furnishings to create the ultimate personalized space. Look forward to light bites from Brenda’s French Soul Food and cocktails by Suerte Tequila as you furiously scribble notes.
When: 6 – 8 p.m. (conversation begins at 6:45), Thurs. 8/14
Where: Room & Board, 685 Seventh St., San Francisco
