The Agenda: Landscape Lecture Series, Esalen Institute 2.0, and Holiday Gifting
Author:Lindsey ShookLecture
Shaping Environments: Nate Cormier
You’re just in time for the last talk in A+D Museum’s landscape lecture series. Up this week is Nate Cormier, principal landscape architect at L.A.’s Rios Clementi Hale Studios. After two decades practicing in Seattle, Cormier made the move to the City of Angels to work with the renowned multidisciplinary design house. Here, he’s worked on a wide-ranging portfolio of projects—everything from parks, theaters, and adaptive reuse projects to tableware, surfboards, and a new clothing line. During this conversation, Cormier will share his most recent work, including downtown parks for Seattle, Los Angeles, and Palm Springs and how storytelling plays a key role in the collective design process. While you’re there, take some time to peruse the newly opened exhibit, Museum of Failure (on view through February 4), which explores some of history’s most epic product failures. Think frozen beef lasagna from Colgate, the hula chair, and the oft mocked two-wheeled vehicle we know as the Segway.
When: 7 p.m., Thurs. 12/7
Where: A+D Museum, 900 E. Fourth St., Los Angeles
Shopping
Launched this past summer, Bay Area Made is dedicated to promoting locally made wares by talented artisans through its online directory and maker-curated neighborhood guides. Now, they’re bringing it live for some primo holiday shopping. This weekend, they’ll be hosting more than 40 craftspeople at The Barlow in Sebastopol, from well-known designers like Bespoke Watch Projects to up-and-coming brands from the East and North Bay, including Johanna Sprague Design and Aesop Wines. Vendors will donate a percentage of sales to Undocufund, an organization providing help for undocumented immigrants affected by the wildfires. While you’re there, show your support for the North Bay community directly by shopping the Sonoma County artisans with permanent storefronts at The Barlow. Oh, and don’t forget to grab a bite at Vignette Pizzeria, a pint a Woodfour Brewing, or a cup of coffee at Taylor Maid. Or, just relax on heated outdoor furniture by Galanter & Jones at the winter lounge.
When: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sat. 12/9
Where: The Barlow Event Venue, 6770 McKinley St., Ste. 100, Sebastopol
Esalen Institute, Maslow & Watts
Refresh
Now that Big Sur is back in business, schedule yourself a pre-holiday workshop at Esalen Institute to keep the end-of-year stress at bay. The iconic spiritual retreat recently underwent a much-needed interior refresh by Monterey County design firm Salt + Bones, and boy does it look good. The studio updated two historic buildings on property—Fritz House and Maslow & Watts—keeping the rustic vibe while adding a serious dose of chic. Think plush rugs, midcentury-modern chairs, and handcrafted wood furniture. Request one of the institute’s private suites, which are also kitted out with wood stoves, in-floor heating, and outdoor clawfoot tubs.
When: Workshops and reservations ongoing
Where: 55000 Highway 1, Big Sur
Shopping
In the Bay Area, there’s no shortage of opportunities to shop local for the holidays. While big guns like Renegade and West Coast Craft have already come and gone, there are still many other chances, including SFMade’s holiday gift fair at California College of the Arts. The annual event, now in its seventh year, features 70-plus SFMade vendors including Pladra, Charles Chocolates, Sharon Z Jewelry, and Mac Cutting Boards, plus live wreaths and succulents from Urban Farmgirls. You can also purchase artwork from CCA students, which sounds like a great way for budding art enthusiasts to start their own collection.
When: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sun. 12/17
Where: California College of the Arts, 1111 Eighth St., San Francisco
Anthem
Opening
Anthem Gifts joins Anthem Bed, Bath & Home in Menlo Park, just in time for holiday shopping. The new boutique from husband-and-wife team Janelle and Kirk Loevner—who also have a pair of stores in San Francisco—stocks myriad tabletop and gift items. Think Christofle frames, leather overnight bags, watch winders, desk accessories, William Yeoward barware, and cashmere sweaters. The 1,000-square-foot venue also has an embroidery machine, so you can even add personal touches to presents.
When: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Mon., Wed., Fri., Sat.; 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Thurs.; 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sun.
Where: 889 and 883 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park
