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Oct 2009  |  By Mibs  |  Comments (0)

Celebrating 20 Years, the Modernism Show Returns to Winnetka

TAGS: Winnetka, Modernism, Winnetka Community House, Art Nouveau, jewelry, metalwork, pottery, textiles, clothing, decorative arts, art, furniture, photographs

Two decades ago the Woman's Board of the Winnetka Community House launched the Midwest’s first Modernism show. Discover your passion for design at the 20th Annual Modernism Show, November 6–8 at the Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave. in Winnetka.

This volunteer-produced show pays tribute to the period of design that spans from 1890 to 1990 and defines the Modernism movement with top quality examples of Art Nouveau, Arts and Crafts, Prairie School, Art Deco, Art Moderne, Mid-Century and other 20th Century design. Furniture, paintings, illustrations, photographs, jewelry, metalwork, pottery, textiles, clothing and other decorative arts from these important periods of design will be offered for sale by dealers from across the United States.

This year’s show pays tribute to its 20th anniversary with nearly 50 outstanding and knowledgeable dealers from across North America who will be presenting and offering their first-rate collections; they will also be available to answer showgoers’ questions personally to help them discover Modernism for themselves. Dealers are selected on an invitational basis, ensuring the quality of items available for purchase.

“The past few years have seen a marked increase in the popularity of 20th century design among a younger, edgier audience interested in the eclectic variety of styles, trends and collections that can be found within this show .” notes 2009 Show Chair Dania Leemputte. “What’s fantastic about the Modernism Show is that, not only can you learn from the dealers, but there is also something for everyone’s taste and budget,” she adds.

Modernism encompasses art movements that began in the late 19th century when artists, architects and designers were seeking a way to shed the stuffy, lavishly decorated style of the Victorian era. Clean lines, simple style, and sleek materials are among the hallmarks of Modernism. Well-known modernist slogans include, “Less is more,” and “Form follows function”. Works to be offered for sale at The Modernism Show all represent popular culture and key stylistic movements of the 20th century, including Arts and Crafts, Art Deco, Art Moderne, Art Nouveau, Mid-Century/Atomic Age, Post-War Modernism, Prairie School, Retro and more.

On Friday, November 6th a gala preview party will take place from 6:30 to 9:30 pm. Preview party tickets, which also include 2-day show admission, can be purchased for $100 per person at the Winnetka Community House in advance by calling 847/446-0537 before October 26th, and $125 per person if purchased at the door. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.winnetkamodernism.com. To find out more about the show's other highlight events, click here.

The Modernism Show benefits the Winnetka Community House, a non-profit recreational, educational, and cultural arts organization serving the North Shore of Chicago. The Winnetka Community House was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places in August, 2007. The Woman's Board’s mission is to provide financial and volunteer support for this important institution.

Founded in 1911 as a nondenominational gathering place for the village, the Community House’s programs sprang to life immediately with a variety of activities for all ages. Today, the Winnetka Community House welcomes more than 250,000 visitors annually. The Modernism Show hours are: Saturday, November 7th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, November 8th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets for 2-day admission are $15 and educational lectures are included in the price of the show ticket. For further information, tickets, or to receive show mailings, please call 847/446-0537 or visit www.winnetkamodernism.com.