Modernism Week has announced that beloved Palm Springs resident and cultural icon Nelda Linsk will be honored during the February 2026 festival with the honorary title of First Lady of Modernism Week.
Linsk, immortalized in Slim Aarons’ legendary 1970 photograph Poolside Gossip, has been a fixture of Palm Springs culture since 1962. She will also appear as a special guest in the 33rd annual Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade on Saturday, December 6.
The 11-day Modernism Week festival, taking place February 12–22, 2026, will highlight midcentury modern architecture, art, interior and landscape design, and vintage culture. Tickets are available now at modernismweek.com.
Lisa Vossler Smith, CEO of Modernism Week, shared:
“Nelda Linsk has been a longtime icon for the community, and we are so excited to bestow upon her the honorary title of ‘First Lady of Modernism Week.’”
Key Events Honoring Nelda Linsk
- February 12 – Rededication of Nelda’s Star At 11 am, Modernism Week will rededicate Linsk’s star on the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars at 155 S. Palm Canyon Drive. The granite tribute will now include her new title alongside her Humanitarian designation.
- February 19 – This is Your Life, Nelda Linsk A special program at the Palm Springs Art Museum’s Annenberg Theater will celebrate Linsk’s life and career, featuring guest appearances and tributes.
- February 21 – Screening of Poolside Gossip, More Than a Photograph This rarely seen film recounts Slim Aarons’ iconic photo shoot at the Kaufmann House, designed by Richard Neutra. The event includes a Q&A and meet-and-greet with Linsk.
Legacy and Archives
Modernism Week board member Gary Johns recently arranged for Linsk’s personal archives to be gifted to Palm Springs Life. The collection includes thousands of photos, clippings, and rare outtakes from the Poolside Gossip shoot, along with intimate images of Linsk’s life with her husband Joseph and friends including Frank and Barbara Sinatra, Steve Chase, and Arthur Elrod.
Sponsors
Modernism Week’s top sponsors include Ferguson Home, Brizo, Dunn-Edwards Paints, Monogram, Cotino, DWR, Flor, and Natural Retreats. The City of Palm Springs serves as Civic Presenting Sponsor.
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