PHOENIX MODERN WEEK 2013

Palm Springs has their Modern Week, and this week is the 9th Annual Phoenix Modern Week here in Arizona! This is is a celebration of modern art and architecture here in the Valley.  Although Friday marked the official kick-off of Phoenix Modern Week, with a tour of a historic hotel Saturday afternoon (called Hotel Valley Ho - built in 1956 - and tour tickets were the price of the year - $19.56) the week is full of evening events every day this week. Phoenix Modern Week will culminates with a Phoenix Modern Week Expo Saturday afternoon, including a raffle to win the last two tickets to the sold-out tour of Mid Century Modern Phoenix homes this coming Sunday, April 21. If you're in the Phoenix area, here are this week's events to check out:

 

Read about Design Within Reach Scottsdale: A very special DWR Studio.

Monday, April 15: Joseph Eichler film. “People in Glass Houses,” a film about architect Joseph Eichler, 7-8:30 p.m. at Design Within Reach, 4821 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Free.

Tuesday, April 16: Architecture slide presentation. “Slide Slam,” a presentation by local members of the American Institute of Architects, 7-9 p.m. at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St. Free.

Wednesday, April 17: Modern ranch makeover talk. Cavin Costello and Claire Aton of the Ranch Mine will detail their Midcentury Modern and smaller ranch renovations, and Copenhagen owner Erik Hansen will discuss the furniture store’s 43-year history. Refreshments provided by Duck & Decanter. The event, 6-8 p.m., is free. Copenhagen, 1701 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix.

Thursday, April 18: Formica party/presentation. The Formica brand marks its 100th birthday this year. Celebrate the invention of laminate at Union Workspace, 6-8 p.m. at 1729 E. Osborn Road, Phoenix. RSVP to 513-786-3301. Free.

Friday, April 19: Superlite-block factory tour. Learn how Phoenix became known for its concrete industry on this guided tour of the Superlite block factory, 9-11 a.m. at 4223 W. Highland Ave., Phoenix. Learn about the materials being used to restore the David and Gladys Wright House in Phoenix’s Arcadia neighborhood, and join architecture critic and writer Tazmine Loomans to see Superlite blocks being made. Tickets are $40 at modernphoenixweek.com

Superlite blocks - "Lace Curtain"

About the Phoenix Modern Week Expo - Saturday, April 21

The location for Saturday's Phoenix Modern Week Expo will be at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, Stage 2 7380 E 2nd St, Scottsdale at 9am thru 5:30pm. Some events are FREE, and some events will have an additional charge. For more information, go to modernphoenixweek.com
 
Saturday's events will include:

• A Bus Tour of Scottsdale’s ‘Most Western’ Mid Century Gems
• A Private Tour of Paolo Soleri’s Cosanti Foundation
• An Ultimate Tour of the Hotel Valley Ho
• Research your Midcentury Modern Home Using Primary Sources
• Phoenix’s Street of Dreams: The Visual Extravaganza That Was Van Buren
• A Modern Castle in the Sky: The David & Gladys Wright Residence
• Creating Places of Peace in Modern Environments
• Door Prize Drawings (+ a chance to win the last 2 tickets for Sunday's Home Tour!)
• Paolo Soleri: Beyond Form

Sunday's Phoenix Modern Tour is sold out, but will include the Starlite Vista, SunView Estates, North Central Avenue and the Midtown Garden Apartment district neighborhoods.

Additional details about the events can be found at: modernphoenixweek.com and also be sure to check out a wonderful source for mid century architecture here in Phoenix at: MondernPhoenix.net plus check out their facebook page too.

I ventured out this weekend to some of the local vintage shops and shot a few pics of some interesting modern architecture around Phoenix, I'll be sharing here this week, plus be sure to also check out my board on Pinterest at #PHXMODWK plus check out the tweets at the hashtag #PHXMODWK

If you're local, I hope to see you at one of the many events!

Thanks for stopping by...