Lawndale Art Center's Thirteenth Annual 20th Century Modern Market

Houston, Texas - Lawndale Art Center's 13th annual 20th Century Modern Market will take place April 22 - 27, 2008. This special event is the only antiques show of its kind in the Southwest, exclusively featuring design of the twentieth century. This year's Market will feature specialist dealers from around the country, offering a variety of media including furniture, glass, ceramics, metalwork, textiles, objects d'art and fashion. Lawndale offers a free public lecture on American jewelry design from the 1940's - 1960's by Cindi Strauss, Curator of Modern and Contemporary Decorative Arts at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and co-founder of Lawndale's Modern Market, April 22 at 7pm at Lawndale. Shop early at one of the hippest gala's of the year, The Modern Market Preview Party, April 25 from 6 - 9 pm; then keep shopping all weekend on April 28 and 29 from 10 am - 5 pm. Ticket sales for this event benefit Lawndale Art Center.

Lecture:

American Jewelry 1940s-1960s: Wearable Modernism
Tuesday, April 22, 7pm
Cindi Strauss, Curator of Modern and Contemporary Decorative Arts and Design at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and co-founder of Lawndale's Modern Market speaks on American jewelry design from the 1940's - 1960's.



Arthur "Art" Smith, American, 1917-1982
Neckpiece (Positive/Negative)
1948
Wire and sheet brass
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; Museum purchase with funds provided by the African American Art Advisory Association, 2000.2246 C Estate of "Art" Smith

Preview Party:

Friday, April 25, 6 to 9 pm

Market Weekend:

Saturday and Sunday, April 26 and 27, 10 am - 5 pm

Tickets:

Preview Party - $30 per person for Lawndale members (includes admission throughout weekend) / $40 for non-members. Saturday and Sunday General Admission - $5

Event Chair:

Paula Murphy, Patterson & Murphy Public Relations

Confirmed Participating Dealers:

5ifty5ifty Mod
Century Modern
Cool Stuff Houston
Don Browne
Era Vintage Modern
Houston Mod
The Lush Life Antiques
Martin Huber Miller Modern Decoration
Metro Modern
Mid-Century & More
The Mod Pod, LLC
Retro Relics
The Robin Cook Collection

What is the 20th Century Modern Market and what is Modern Design?

The Modern Market is the only antiques show of its kind in the Southwest to exclusively feature design of the twentieth century. Up to 16 dealers will be represented with booths featuring design and decorative arts from the 20th century. Furniture, ceramics, glass, metalwork, and fashion are only some of the media that will be available for sale. Dealers are invited to participate in this event on the basis of the quality of their objects and the diversity of their wares. Lawndale aims to bring the highest quality show possible to the city of Houston that features both affordable and interesting design.

The period represented at the Modern Market is an important focal point for the 20th century, as these years witnessed the greatest changes in design. In the pre-war years, the beginnings of a shift from the traditions of the arts and crafts movement to mass-production were apparent as the use of industrial materials and new technology resulted in the restyling of traditional objects for the home. Chrome-plated metals, streamlined and biomorphic shapes all dominated this period. By the post-war era, mass-production was standard and designers worked closely with manufacturers to develop forms that reflected further strides in technology. The over-riding goal was to provide good design that was both affordable and stylish, and this resulted in the clean, unornamented look of designs such as those produced by Knoll and Herman Miller.

About Lawndale Art Center:

Lawndale Art Center is a non-profit alternative space for the exhibition of contemporary works in all media, unique in its focus on Houston area artists. Founded in 1979, Lawndale has owned its present location on Main Street in Houston's Museum District since 1993. With four galleries in its locally significant Art Deco building, Lawndale includes close to 500 artists annually in changing exhibitions. Over twenty exhibitions, informal talks and special events are offered yearly including annual events such as Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead, the 20th Century Modern Market, and The Big Show.

For More Information:

www.lawndaleartcenter.org or askus@lawndaleartcenter.org or call Dennis Nance at (713) 528-5858.



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