Michigan was an epicenter of modern design in postwar America. Architects Eero Saarinen and Minoru Yamasaki were instrumental in defining the look of the mid-century. Companies like Herman Miller and General Motors and designers Charles Eames, George Nelson, and Harley Earl, shaped the American dream and brought good design to the masses. Join us June 13-16, 2013, in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan as we tell the Michigan Modern story through a symposium at the Cranbrook Educational Community and an exhibition at the Cranbrook Art Museum.

Go to michiganmodern.org to register. Early bird registration is through May 22. Registration ends May 31.

April 28 - August 18, 2013

This exhibition explores the local area's modern architecturaldesign heritage in residential, commercial, public and religiousbuildings. From examples by internationally known architects tothose who practiced solely in mid-Michigan, the modernist stylerepresented a forward-looking approach to contemporary living.Prompted by the State Historic Preservation Office's "MichiganModern" project (michiganmodern.org), this exhibition offers an appreciation of East Lansing's 1940 - 1970 architecture. It alsoconsiders the use of new technologies, modern designs for thehome that were available locally, and contemporary art that waspopularly collected by homeowners.

MSU Museum
Ground Floor Gallery
409 W. Circle Drive
East Lansing, MI 48824

a2modern is pleased to partner with Susan Monroe owner of Three Chairs, Co., and Steve Frykholm and Clark Malcolm of Herman Miller, Inc., in a presentation of "Threads".

Threads is the story of Herman Miller’s history of design, openness to new ideas and people, and respect for individuals. Steve Frykholm, graphic designer, and Clark Malcolm, writer, with a combined 72 years at the company, tell the stories of the people, products, and events behind 107-year-old Herman Miller, Inc. Woven together, the many threads of this history tell the story of how Herman Miller has become what it is today and the origins of the values and culture that will sustain it in years to come. Threads is an interactive presentation; the audience chooses the topics to be discussed. Threads includes images, video clips, and audio segments from Herman Miller’s long history of design and innovation.

Thursday, June 6th, 2013
6:30 p.m. Reception
7:15 p.m. Threads Interactive Presentation

Location: Three Chairs Co., 215 S Ashley St Ann Arbor, MI 48104

This event is free however donations to a2modern are appreciated to help defray expenses and for future programs!

RSVP, as limited seats are available modernists@a2modern.org

Spring 2007 DAADS Modern

By Ron Ortiz

A few years ago, I came across a cache of real photo postcards that captured the fascinating Art Deco hotel architecture of South Miami Beach in the pre-World War II period. I've visited South Beach many times since but this winter, I decided to try to find the structures pictured in my postcards.

Spring 2007 DAADS Modern

On Thursday, February 1st, prior to the opening of The Henry Ford Museum's Eames Lounge Chair exhibition, the museum held an Eames Preview Reception.

The original Eames Lounge Chair.

Spring 2007 DAADS Modern

By Terry Boyce

One of the finest automotive events in the world, the Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance will take place on the grounds of Meadow Brook Hall at Oakland University, in Rochester, Michigan on Sunday, August 5th, 2007.

Spring 2007 DAADS Modern

ART DECOSCAPES
The Art of Displaying Yesterday Today
By Graham Abraham and Michael Wallace
Schiffer Publishing Ltd.
Price $39.95

This book is about bringing some individuality to your Art Deco collection by artfully displaying your most coveted and interesting pieces. Not exactly a ‘Show Me’ book but rather a "Show Off to The Best Advantage" book.

Spring 2007 DAADS Modern

The Satin Dolls, that talented singing trio specializing in nostalgic music from the 1930s to the 1960s will be the featured entertainment at the Michigan Modernism Gala Preview Party on Friday, April 27th. The group will have two scheduled performances that evening.

The magnificent Art Deco chandelier that hangs through an opening to the main level.

Spring 2008 DAADS Modern

By Theresa Shepherd

In February, a couple of like-minded friends and I made a pilgrimage to attend the 21st annual Arts and Crafts Conference at the historic Grove Park Inn and Spa in Asheville, North Carolina. I call it a pilgrimage because this is like heaven for Arts and Crafts enthusiasts. And it felt like we were in heaven when we finally arrived at the inn. The first things we noticed were NO SNOW and flowers in bloom!