And we're back - 2013 is going to be a great year!

Greetings from your friends at SacMod and a very Happy New Year! We are excited to tell you about our upcoming events and relevant activities scheduled in 2013:

"A Toast to Sacramento Design" -- Saturday, January 26, 2013 at the California Museum from 5:30pm to 8:30pm

Image of Llisa Demetrios, Ray Eames' granddaughter, and Miles Treaster via The California Museum

A benefit event celebrating Sacramento design legends Ray Eames and late SacMod member Miles Treaster, “A Toast To Sacramento Design” includes cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, a preview of the Museum’s upcoming exhibit “Ray Eames: A Century of Modern Design” with Lucia Eames and Llisa Demetrios of Eames Office, silent auction including the new AMMO book “EAMES: Beautiful Details”, and a look back at Northern California’s innovations in design. Proceeds benefit the upcoming exhibit at the Museum.

More here.

"Ray Eames: A Century of Modern Design at the California Museum" -- Opening day is February 23, 2013!

Image via the California Museum

SacMod is proud to be a supporter of this exhibit that features Sacramento-native modernist Ray Eames! We helped raise funds via our exclusive tour of the Roush Residence last June and also contributed background research and artifacts to the exhibit.

The exhibit will show a unique collection of artifacts featuring rarely seen works from the Eames Office archives and reveals a new perspective on Ray's 60-year career in the arts, along with her influence on American culture and significance in history as one of the 20th century's most influential artists.

More here.

The 2013 Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour - May 18, 2013!

SacMod’s highly praised and most requested event is back!

Join us on May 18, 2013 for an exciting peek into some of Sacramento’s best mid-century modern architecture. Our second tour includes entry into homes and commercial buildings not seen in our 2010 tour, vintage transportation displays, exhibits, goodies, and more. Space is limited -- buy your tickets early to ensure you don’t miss out!

Ticket sales begin March 1, 2013 and end May 15, 2013.

Advance sale prices: $20 SacMod members; $30 non-members.

Day of event: $30 SacMod members; $40 non-members (Subject to availability; credit card only.)

Planning is still in progress and there are more details to come - stay tuned via our blog and follow us on our Facebook page.

Time to renew your 2013 Annual SacMod Associate Memberships!

Vintage postcard image from the SacMod postcard collection

Tax-deductible member benefits include a discount to paid SacMod events and having first crack at reserving a seat/purchasing tickets. 2012 was a busy year for SacMod! Thanks to everyone who came to our events, collaborated with us, and supported us throughout the year. A re-cap:

- Three mid-century modern homes from the 2010 Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour were featured in separate issues of Atomic Ranch magazine;

- We screened Infinite Space: The Architecture of John Lautner with AIA Central Valley and Movies on a Big Screen. Photos here;

- We brought you an exclusive tour of the Roush Residence with 2/3 of all proceeds going to The California Museum's upcoming exhibit, "Ray Eames: A Century of Modern Design." Photos here: 

- We teamed with AIACV and others again for a free screening of the documentary "Contemporary Days: The Designs of Lucienne & Robin Day." Photos here.

- We collaborated with the Center for Contemporary Art Sacramento for a fun party at a mid-century modern home that was featured in our 2010 tour. The party included an art fundraiser for CCAS. Photos here;

- We teamed up with Design Rides for a free bike tour featuring relevant MCM buildings and public art plus two open MCM homes from our 2010 tour (video here);

- We brought you Coast Modern with the AIA Central Valley Region Architecture Festival and the Crocker Art Museum;

- We conducted behind the scenes research for various projects and worked on several preservation matters.

SacMod has been accomplishing its goals through events, research, and development of educational materials and information resources. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit run exclusively by volunteers. With your help, SacMod can continue to promote awareness and preservation of Sacramento's mid-20th century modern heritage through future events, research, and education. Please go to our blog and use the "Add to cart" button in the upper left margin.

At the moment, the BEST WAY to remain in the loop about SacMod's activities is to keep checking our blog and our Facebook page.

Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Film Night 10.25.12: Coast Modern

Join us for a special screening of Coast Modern on Thursday, October 25, 2012 from 7pm to 9pm! Presented in collaboration with SacMod, American Institute of Architecture Central Valley and the Crocker Art Museum as part of the AIA Central Valley Sacramento Architecture Festival.

Coast Modern Trailer from Coast Modern on Vimeo.

Coast Modern is an independent documentary by directors Mike Bernard and Gavin Froome. Traveling along the Pacific North West coastline from LA to Vancouver, the film showcases the pioneers of West Coast Modernist Architecture, and the homes that have become their legacies. This relaxed journey takes us across three generations of Modernist architecture, all finding beauty in their own times, and all taking us back to the basics of true living – a sense of place, light, and a deep connection to the earth.

From Henrik Bull's interview with Coast Modern directors

We are delighted to have two special guest speakers at our screening who were featured in the film: renowned architects Henrik Bull, FAIA and Pierluigi Serraino, AIA. Please stay for the engaging panel discussion after the screening. Those seeking AIA Continuing Education Credits should look for the sign up sheet at the event.

SacMod has researched and will be displaying panels highlighting selected mid-20th century work by  Henrik Bull in our region. Pierluigi Serraino wrote about Mr. Bull's work in "NorCalMod: Icons of Northern California Modernism." Serraino also recently wrote about another architect featured in Coast Modern: "Donald Olsen: Architect of Habitable Abstractions."

Space is limited; we recommend you purchase tickets in advance online. You may also purchase them at the Crocker Art Museum's Admission Desk or call 916.808.1182.

Ticket prices are:
$8 Crocker, AIA, and SacMod Members;  $14 Nonmembers.

We look forward to seeing you there!

October 14, 2012: Design Ride with SacMod!

Fabulous artwork above by Laura Edmisten of Asbestos Press!

Beautiful limited edition screen prints of this poster now available at HOT ITALIAN for $30 each.
All proceeds benefit SacMod (Sacramento Modern).

Join SacMod (Sacramento Modern) on October 14, 2012 for the third and final 2012 Design Ride!

The 2012 Design Rides have been presented by HOT ITALIAN, Lumens Light + Living, Midtown Business Association, SacMod, Arts & Business Council of Sacramento, and Capital Creative Collective. All three Design Rides are FREE and have been led by Rick Houston, leader of the Sacramento Tweed Rides. The Design Rides were the brainchild of and organized by Andrea Lepore of Hot Italian.

The October 14th/SacMod Design Ride starts at Noon at Hot Italian. Tour guides for the ride are well-versed SacMod Board Directors who will talk about points of interest along the way. Riders will enjoy learning about the MCM roots of Hot Italian's building, viewing where Ray Eames once lived as a child, hearing the history of various MCM stops along the way to South Land Park, and touring the MCM homes of two SacMod co-founders. These homes were featured on the 2010 Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour and recently in two 2012 issues of Atomic Ranch magazine. * Sorry, but no admittance to SacMod personal residences except via escort by the bike tour starting at Hot Italian. *

Riders are encouraged to wear their favorite mid-20th century fashion and be prepared to have a great time. It'll be a nice little warm-up for the 2013 Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour on May 18, 2013! Check out August's Design Ride:

The October 14th/SacMod Design Ride is also a guest event for the AIA Central Valley Region Architecture Festival (pdf of events, including the Design Ride, here.) The Design Ride is one of two events SacMod has in the Architecture Festival. The other highly anticipated event is the screening of Coast Modern with AIA Central Valley and the Crocker Art Museum on October 25, 2012 with special guest speakers: Henrik Bull, FAIA and Pierluigi Serraino, AIA. Remember, SacMod members get a special discount for the film so be sure to ask for it!

Your pals at SacMod look forward to seeing you at both events! 

CCAS + SacMod = Art-a-Go-Go

Greetings from SacMod!

Our friends at the Center for Contemporary Art, Sacramento (CCAS) are hosting Art-a-Go-Go: Art, Eats and Fun by the Pool on July 21, 2012 from 5:30 to 8:30pm. "Come dressed in your coolest 60's attire and enjoy cocktails, food, and music -- Mid-Century Modern style! You'll have an opportunity to buy art from among 20 invited regional artists, including Gregory Kondos." Tickets available via WePay.

This phenomenal MCM Land Park home was featured in SacMod's 2010 Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour. For those of you who missed seeing our 2010 tour, you're in for a real treat. The home was completed in 1963 for Robert and Jeanette Powell and includes its original pool, dramatic floating staircase, broken slate floors and concrete masonry. An open floor plan plus floor-to-ceiling windows provide a perfect setting to showcase modern furniture and art!

SacMod was invited by CCAS to be an honorary host at the event; we will have a silent auction of a "Blast from the Past" bag that includes:

- SacMod Annual Associate Membership good until 12/31/13

- Atomic Ranch Summer 2012 issue

- Etch-a-Sketch keychain

- X-ray Specs

- Silly Putty

- Vintage Finger Monsters

- Wind-up Robot

- Vintage Scary Scooters

- retro candy

Look for SacMod's many events coming up soon:

- The highly anticipated next big tour -- the  2013 Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour -- will be in Spring of 2013.

- On October 25, 2012 we will be joining AIA Central Valley and the Crocker Art Museum for a first run screening of the new documentary Coast Modern.

- On October 14, 2012, we will be participating in the last of a series of Design Rides -- a free bicycle-led tour to various MCM-related destinations.

- We are also part of a larger group of individuals who are helping The California Museum on an exhibit featuring famous modernist Ray Eames, who was born and raised in Sacramento.

Hope you're having a great summer and hope to see you at Art-a-Go-Go!

Gretchen, Dane and Karen from SacMod

Last Call For Tickets! Don't Miss The Roush Residence!

Last call for tickets to join us from 1pm to 6pm on June 2, 2012 for a not-to-be-missed chance to see one of Sacramento’s hidden mid-century modern architectural gems in Arden Oaks! TICKET SALES END AT 6PM TODAY!

Vintage photo of the Roush Residence

The Roush Residence (1954) was designed by Terry Waters, a brilliant and talented architect who studied and worked with three legendary 20th century modernists: Frank Lloyd Wright at Taliesin, John Lautner in Los Angeles, and Walter S. White in Palm Desert. This unusual steel frame home with open web beams must be experienced in person to be fully appreciated. There is no other house like it! Terry Waters' work was recognized internationally by acclaimed magazines such as Arts + Architecture and Domus.

Terry Waters and his Portable Office

Your ticket includes delicious appetizers by Aharona Catering, treats from award-winning Freeport Bakery, and a generous pour from urban winery Rail Bridge Cellars and indie coffeehouse Chocolate Fish Coffee. Enjoy Two Accordions’ unique modern quilts, DJ Christophe’s spins of vintage-era tunes, and a rare 1956 Nash Ambassador freshly renovated by Peter Steinert.

We're donating a generous 50 percent of the proceeds toward the upcoming exhibit "Ray Eames: A Century of Modern Design," at The California Museum tentatively scheduled to open later this year. Ray Eames was born and raised in Sacramento; she and her husband, Charles, were among the most important 20th century modernists.

Hope to see you there! Tickets via Brown Paper Tickets: $30 SacMod members and $45 general admission.

SacMod is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting, preserving and protecting modern art, architecture and design in the Sacramento region.

Come see the Roush Residence - a hidden MCM gem in Sacramento!

SacMod -- the folks who brought you the Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour -- invites you to join us from 1pm to 6pm on June 2, 2012 for a not-to-be-missed chance to see one of Sacramento’s hidden mid-century modern architectural gems in Arden Oaks.

Your ticket includes delicious appetizers by Aharona Catering, treats from award-winning Freeport Bakery, and a generous pour from urban winery Rail Bridge Cellars and indie coffeehouse Chocolate Fish Coffee. Enjoy Two Accordions’ unique modern quilts, DJ Christophe’s spins of vintage-era tunes, and a rare 1956 Nash Ambassador freshly renovated by Peter Steinert.

The Roush Residence (1954) was designed by Terry Waters, a brilliant and talented architect who studied and worked with three legendary 20th century modernists: Frank Lloyd Wright at Taliesin, John Lautner in Los Angeles, and Walter S. White in Palm Desert. This unusual steel frame home with open web beams must be experienced in person to be fully appreciated. There is no other house like it!

The Roush family founded a nationally distributed bread mix company and was famous for their Hillbilly Bread (“It’s Colossal!”) which is still made to this day.

We’ve arranged for separate arrival times to help avoid crowding and ease parking, but stay as long as you’d like to take in the displays and sights. Your ticket also includes a special commemorative 12-page booklet that highlights the history of the home and an opportunity to talk with local knowledgeable architects and the MCM mavens of Mimomito. Our special thanks to Rik Keller Photography who will be capturing the moment!

We're donating a generous 50 percent of the proceeds toward the upcoming exhibit "Ray Eames: A Century of Modern Design," at The California Museum tentatively scheduled to open later this year. Ray Eames was born and raised in Sacramento; she and her husband, Charles, were among the most important 20th century modernists.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Tickets via Brown Paper Tickets: $30 SacMod members and $45 general admission. Ticket sales for all shifts end at 5:30 - 6:00 pm May 31, 2012.

SacMod is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to promoting, preserving and protecting modern art, architecture and design in the Sacramento region.

SacMod Celebrates The Roush Residence On June 2, 2012

Please join Sacramento Modern (SacMod) for a celebration of the Roush Residence in the Arden Oaks neighborhood of Sacramento on June 2, 2012. Reserved arrival times will be between 1pm and 5pm. Tickets will be available via Brown Paper Tickets.

- Tickets will be sold beginning April 23, 2012 for SacMod Associate Members at $30 each (members must use the correct password). To become a SacMod member, please use the "2012 SacMod Annual Associate Membership" link in the upper left hand margin of this blog.

- General sales will begin May 7, 2012 at $45 each.

- There will be no tickets sold at the door. Last day for tickets sales is May 31, 2012.

Appetizers and beverages will be served and a commemorative booklet will be given to attendees. Vintage photographs and information about the home will be displayed. Local architects and design professionals will be present to discuss questions about the home. For vintage car enthusiasts, a recently restored 1956 Nash Ambassador Custom with tritone paint will be parked in the carport.

The Roush Residence was designed by Terry Waters, a Taliesin Fellow and friend/colleague of renowned modernist John Lautner. Waters was also an apprentice of desert modernist Walter S. White. Waters' work was published in acclaimed design magazines such as Arts + Architecture and Domus. True modernists will be delighted in seeing this ultra-modern and unusual circa 1954 home.

Fifty percent of the proceeds from this event will benefit the development of the upcoming exhibit "Ray Eames: A Century of Modern Design," at The California Museum tentatively scheduled to open later this year. Ray Eames was born and raised in Sacramento; she and her husband, Charles, were among the most important 20th century modernists.

SacMod would like to thank these wonderful people and businesses for their volunteerism and in-kind donations at our event:

Mimomito

Rail Bridge Cellars

Rik Keller Photography

Aharona Catering

Freeport Bakery

Chocolate Fish Coffee
Two Accordions

Peter Steinert
DJ Christophe

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all, please arrive for your reserved shift on time, park in the designated areas (a specific map with detailed information will be emailed before the event) and wear flat-heeled shoes. For the homeowner's privacy, the event address will be provided after ticket purchase.

We look forward to seeing you there!

SacMod is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting, preserving and protecting modern art, architecture and design in the Sacramento region.

Film Night 4.12.12: Contemporary Days

 Via the British Council's Design Museum

Robin and Lucienne Day transformed British design after World War II with striking furniture and textiles that signaled a new era of modernist sensibilities for everyday living. The Days, a husband and wife team from the UK, were often compared with Charles and Ray Eames.

Join us on 4.12.12 at 6PM at the Sacramento Temporary Contemporary Gallery for the documentary Contemporary Days: The Designs of Lucienne & Robin Day. We're partnering with AIA Central Valley, Emerging Professional’s Group of the American Society of Landscape Architects Sierra Chapter (ASLA EPG), and Patcraft.

*** KINDLY RSVP *** via this link: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/239257

No charge; donations gladly accepted. There will be snacks, fun, and a one-year subscription to Atomic Ranch magazine to one lucky attendee via SacMod. (Three homes that were on the last Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour are featured in Atomic Ranch magazine this year!)

Hope to see you there!

More about the film via Design Onscreen

".... Robin's revolutionary furniture designs introduced materials such as plastic, steel and plywood to homes, offices and schools. His stacking polypropylene chair endures as an icon and now graces a Royal Mail postage stamp. Lucienne's abstract textile designs brought accessible elegance into the homes of postwar British consumers.

The Days' fresh design approaches, including their contributions to the Royal Festival Hall in 1951, helped fuel the artistic and commercial awakening that led Britain out of the devastation of World War II. The film traces the Days' personal and professional progression over the course of their careers, spanning more than seventy years - from their days at the Royal College of the Arts in the 1930s, through their long heyday at the forefront of British design, to their recent rediscovery by new generations of design aficionados.

The 60-minute film was created by Design Onscreen, with award-winning Scottish Director Murray Grigor and Cinematographer Hamid Shams."

More about the Days' designs and history can be found at the Design Museum.

 Via Pattern + Source

Film screening to benefit upcoming local exhibit featuring Ray Eames' life!

SacMod is proud of the efforts made by several modern enthusiasts in town who have put together a special screening of "Eames: The Architect and the Painter" at the Crest Theatre in Sacramento on March 6, 2012. Of note, proceeds from this screening will support an upcoming all-new exhibit at The California Museum featuring Sacramento's most important native modernist Ray Eames!

Director Jason Cohn and Llisa Demetrios of Eames Office will be present at the screening for a special Q&A afterward moderated by Chris Watson, Director of the California Arts Council. For more details, see The California Museum's website page devoted to this event.

Generous sponsors for this event include Sactown Magazine, Lumens Light + Living, HOT ITALIAN, and The Bridge District. Lumens and the Bridge District will also be teaming up to present an Eames Molded Plastic Rocker door prize.

The Crest Theatre was chosen for this special screening because Ray Eames' father, Alexander Kaiser, managed a vaudeville theater called the Empress Theatre where The Crest now stands. Per a press release: "Ray would have turned 100 this year, so I'm really excited to see a spotlight on her -- especially in her hometown," said Director Jason Cohn. "We were really eager to have a screening somewhere in Sacramento, but to show the film in at the theater her father managed - The Crest - and to use the proceeds from the event to bring a new Eames exhibit to The California Museum makes it a really special evening."

The screening is the first step in launching a campaign to bring an all-new exhibit celebrating Ray Eames' 100 birthday on December 15th, 2012. In partnership with the Eames Office, The California Museum will be seeking new information about Ray Eames' Sacramento roots, her life before Charles, and to highlight her achievements "as an innovative female artist and her role as an equal part of Eames history."

SacMod is appreciative of the efforts of the sponsors, The California Museum, and the Eames Office for facilitating an exhibit that highlights the talents of Ray Eames. We look forward to rolling up our sleeves and volunteering our time with the exhibit. It's Ray's turn to shine -- don't you think?

PLEASE VOTE for the Sacramento Zoo Entrance in Dwell Magazine's "Rethinking Preservation" contest

SacMod needs your help voting for the preservation of the Entrance to the Sacramento Zoo in a contest! The contest, "Rethinking Preservation," is sponsored by Dwell magazine and Sub-Zero.

Over 100 worthy entries are posted for popular vote from February 6 through February 20, 2012. A panel of judges will select the winner from the top ten entries that receive the most popular votes.

We've talked about the hyperbolic paraboloid structures at the Sacramento Zoo entrance before. Last December SacMod publicly supported a survey and report by architectural consultants that stated the Zoo entrance structures "meet the National Register, California Register, and Sacramento Register evaluation criteria...."

1961 newspaper clipping of children admiring the new Sacramento Zoo entrance

 Vintage film of Sacramento Zoo and San Diego Zoo 1970 - Sacramento Zoo portion begins first and ends at 1:15

The Entrance to the Sacramento Zoo is the only contest entry from Sacramento - please spread the word. Let's work together to ensure more generations can enjoy this historic mid-20th century landmark. Let's help the Zoo embrace the future without losing its past.

Please vote as often and as much as you would like through the voting period. If you're on Facebook, please "Like" the page as well. Thank you for your support!

Found slide of a flamingo at the Sacramento Zoo circa 1955 from my collection

Thanks for joining us at the screening of INFINITE SPACE: The Architecture of John Lautner

A big thanks to all 135 of you who braved the weather and joined us at the screening of "INFINITE SPACE: The Architecture of John Lautner" last Sunday evening.

We'd like to applaud Movies on a Big Screen, AIA Central Valley and Sactown Magazine for helping us present the film. We hope you enjoyed the film and look forward to seeing you at future events. Thank you for your support!

The screening of the film was a precursor to our special celebration on June 2, 2012 of the Roush Residence, a 1954 modern home designed by architect Terry Waters, a Taliesin fellow who also worked with John Lautner. Save the date and stay tuned here and on SacMod's Facebook page.

Join us for INFINITE SPACE: The Architecture of John Lautner

On Sunday, January 22, 2012, join Movies on a Big Screen, AIA Central Valley, SacMod, and Sactown Magazine for a screening of INFINITE SPACE: The Architecture of John Lautner at the Guild Theater at 7:30pm to 9:00pm. Please arrive in time to allow yourself a moment to learn more about our organizations and get comfortable before the film begins -- and feel free to stay to talk with us more afterward.

Renowned architectural filmmaker Murray Grigor explores John Lautner's dramatic spaces with choreographed camera moves, as Lautner himself provides the commentary, speaking with insight and within recordings culled from archival sources. Other voices join him: comments from Frank Gehry and his peers who were influenced by Lautner, the emotional memories of original clients, owners and builders, the remarks of Frank Escher, the architect who restored the Chemosphere house, and Julius Shulman who famously photographed all the great modernists.

Original drawings and historical photographs from the John Lautner Archives at the Getty Museum are layered with the artistic photography of seminal buildings, bringing to life Lautner's quest to create timeless space.

You've probably admired his designs from some of your favorite films!

John Lautner on Film from curbed los angeles on Vimeo.

Remember to RSVP for this event and get your tickets online via Brown Paper Tickets. Looking forward to seeing you there!

This film is a precursor to SacMod's celebration of the Roush residence in Sacramento - designed by Terry Waters, a Taliesin fellow and architect who worked with John Lautner. Stay tuned for more about this upcoming event!

SacMod is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to promoting, preserving and protecting modern art, architecture and design in the Sacramento region. We're the folks behind the Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour.

AIA Central Valley's mission is to improve the quality of the built environment through leadership, mentorship and design excellence; fostering sustainability beyond architecture.

Movies on a Big Screen is an ongoing film festival/microcinema that started in September of 2006 in Sacramento, CA.

Sactown Magazine is a bold bi-monthly magazine that gives you a refreshingly different perspective on our great city.

Atomic Ranch 2012 Calendar -- Featuring Two Sacramento MCM Homes!

Just in case you didn't get the calendar you wanted during the holidays, here's one we know you'll like:

Our friends from Atomic Ranch Magazine (AR) are offering this calendar, which features two homes from Sacramento - both of which were on Sacramento Modern's (SacMod's) 2010 Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour.

Keep your eyes open for upcoming 2012 AR issues, which will be highlighting three homes from SacMod's 2010 tour in separate issues!

Already have a calendar? How about a 2012 SacMod annual associate membership? Associate member benefits include a discount to paid SacMod events and having first crack at reserving a seat/purchasing tickets. Please use the "Add to cart" button in the upper left margin of this blog.

AIA Central Valley and SacMod Screening of "EAMES: The architect and the painter"

On 12.19.11, AIA Central Valley (AIACV) and SacMod screened "Eames: The Architect and The Painter" to over fifty design enthusiasts.

The event was held at AIACV in Sacramento. SacMod and AIACV took the opportunity to celebrate our native daughter, Ray (Kaiser) Eames. We provided several images from her life in Sacramento.

Ian Merker of AIACV was the best host ever!

Special thanks to Mimomito who brought cupcakes decorated with Ray's fabric pattern to celebrate what would have been Ray's 99th birthday on 12.15.11 and took pictures of our event.

To kick off the film screening, Eames Demetrios graciously Skype'd in and spoke with us about his grandparents and their work.

We are grateful to Miles Treaster & Associates who brought several examples of the Eameses' furniture, an original rare wooden splint developed for WW2, plus several brochures, an Eames coffee table book, and other written materials.

Our friends from Sactown Magazine generously distributed copies of their original Premier Issue from Dec/Jan 2006/2007 (with a well-written and researched article about Ray Eames) and their current issue. Happy 5th Anniversary, Sactown!

Thanks to KVIE for the wonderful gift bag and to Jason Cohn of Bread and Butter Films for printing two film posters for our silent auction.

Last but not least, thanks to those who attended and supported our event! We received great feedback from those who attended. The film provided an intriguing glimpse into the Eameses' creative process and dedication. We highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in their lives and prolific work, which ranges from architecture, furniture, film, textiles, art, industrial design to other intellectual and creative pursuits. This film celebrates their work and humanizes them -- not only highlighting their triumphs but also what went on behind the scenes.

Look for more events in 2012, including the screening of Infinite Space, a documentary about John Lautner -- one of the most revered 20th century architects. We will also be having an event to celebrate a very special residence in Sacramento designed by Terry Waters, an associate of John Lautner.

Celebrating Ray!

Happy Birthday to Ray Eames, Sacramento's native daughter and one of the most important 20th century modernists!

She would have been 99 today. We'll be celebrating Ray on Monday, December 19, 2011 at the AIACV/SacMod screening party for "EAMES: The Architect and the Painter." Special thanks to our good friends at AIACV hosting this event. And thanks to those of you who RSVP'd via Brown Paper Tickets -- be sure to arrive by 7:30 to ensure seating. Early arrivals get priority Eames chair seating!!

Festivities for the evening will include:
- a silent auction for two posters from the film;
- a furniture display courtesy of the wonderful folks at Miles Treaster & Associates;
- photos of Ray's life in Sacramento;
- vegan cupcakes from the lovely gals at Mimomito;
plus other displays and surprises!

2012 SacMod Annual Associate Memberships now available!

Announcing 2012 SacMod annual associate memberships!

2012 Annual SacMod Associate Memberships are now available. Member benefits include a discount to paid SacMod events and having first crack at reserving a seat/purchasing tickets.

Sacramento Modern (SacMod) was formed to educate and promote understanding and appreciation of mid-20th century modern art, architecture and design in the greater Sacramento, California region. SacMod has been accomplishing its goals through events, research, and development of educational materials and information resources. Run exclusively by volunteers, SacMod has coordinated large scale events such as the 2010 Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour, film screenings, and has provided education, technical assistance, and research findings to students, local and regional organizations, architects, designers, architectural historians, as well as local and national media.

With your help, SacMod can continue to promote awareness and preservation of Sacramento's mid-20th century modern heritage through future events, research, and education. Please use the "Add to cart" button in the upper left margin.

SacMod Activities and Upcoming Event!

Busy, busy month! You can stay better informed regarding Sacramento modernism by joining SacMod's Facebook page. Join us!

Vintage Sacramento Zoo postcard from my Flickr photostream

First, good news for the hyperbolic paraboloid structures at the entrance of the Sacramento Zoo. We've written about these beauties before.

The City of Sacramento hired consultants Mead & Hunt for a Cultural Landscape Survey of William Land Park. (You may download their draft report here.) SacMod has been watching recent developments at the Zoo, particularly those endangering the circa 1961 entrance structures. Mead & Hunt determined that the Zoo entrance and Fairytale Town are eligible for national, California, and Sacramento historic registers. SacMod will continue to monitor and advocate for these structures.

 

Second, Atomic Ranch Magazine has just published the Atomic Ranch 2012 Calendar. We're excited because it features two homes that were on the 2011 Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour! Specifically a home designed by architect Carter Sparks and a Sacramento Eichler home. Atomic Ranch came to Sacramento this summer. Three homes from last year's tour will be featured in separate upcoming issues. We'll be sure to post as the articles and pictures are published.

Finally, AIACV and SacMod are teaming up again -- join us for a free screening of EAMES: The Architect and The Painter. You may already know that Ray Eames was born and raised here in Sacramento. Join us and other like-minded modernists at AIACV on Monday, December 19, 2011 from 8 - 10pm. Reservations for this free event through Brown Paper Tickets.

Even more things being planned for future SacMod events! Stay tuned!

Walking the walk... and talking the talk!

Big day this Sunday, 9.18.11!

From about 10am to 3pm SacMod will be at Marshall Park (corner of 27th and J Street) for the street fair for Sacramento Old City Association's 36th Annual Home Tour. We'll be handing out SacMod's free self-guided walking tour which features the exteriors of six commercial mid-20th century buildings in Midtown. Come and support SOCA, who has been a huge supporter of MCM in Sacramento (see my previous post for details).

Tomorrow will also be the first day SacMod will be offering annual associate memberships at a one-time special discount. Stop by for details!

Later that same day at 7pm, come see the presentation on "Sacramento Architecture: From the Gold Rush to Mid-Century Modern." My friend and historian, Bill Burg, will be talking about the Gold Rush through the 1930s; I'll be handling the part about mid-20th century architecture in town. The discussion will be at Time Tested Books and is part of the Living Library Series.


Hope to see you tomorrow, one way or the other! We'll be the ones drinking lots of coffee :)

Free self-guided walking tour of six Midtown MCMs on September 18, 2011!

Come say hello to SacMod at Marshall Park (J and 27th Streets) on September 18, 2011 during the street fair for Sacramento Old City Association's 36th Annual Home Tour.

You know what makes for a great day? Seeing the beautiful historic homes on SOCA's tour and learning about six Midtown MCM buildings that you walk past all the time!

SOCA's tour starts at Marshall Park, at the corner of 27th and J Street. A street fair at the park features local contractors and artisans specializing in historic home rehab and remodeling, local businesses, artists and crafters displaying their wares, local nonprofits, advocacy and history organizations. Local musicians Tender Cinders, Garage Jazz Architects, The Freebadge Serenaders, and Emile Dalkey will perform in the park. Home Tour participants can show their tour wristband for a 15% discount in the restaurants of the nearby Sutter District.

SacMod will be at the fair from about 10am to 3pm and will have copies of our free self-guided walking tour which features the exteriors of six commercial mid-20th century buildings in Midtown.

Our friends at SOCA have been huge supporters of SacMod and MCM architecture in Sacramento. SOCA's efforts were instrumental in getting the SMUD Headquarters building nominated on the National Register of Historic Places.

MCM fans, it's our turn to support SOCA -- bring your walking shoes and see you there!