The 24th annual Palm Springs Modernism Show returns as one of the highlights of Modernism Week. The show producers have announced that in addition to the show, they will also offer exciting special events to be held in conjunction with the show. The show, which will feature 130 dealers presenting the best of vintage 20th century and compelling 21st century designs, returns to the Palm Springs Convention Center February 16-19, 2024. Special events include tours of a stunning modular home by Presenting Sponsor, First Wave Development, a series of compelling free talks, a vintage 20th century piano display, and the debut of AfterGlow: The Palm Springs Modernism Online Showcase, which extends the in-person show until March 1.
Weekend admission for the show is $30 online or at the door. Admission includes return entry all weekend and a show catalog. Show hours are Saturday 10am–6pm, Sunday 10am–5pm, and Monday 10am–4pm. The Palm Springs Convention Center is located at 277 North Avenida Caballeros in Palm Springs. Valet parking will be offered at the front of the Convention Center on Saturday and Sunday for $15. There is no valet parking on Monday due to the Classic Car Show, another featured event during Modernism Week which will take place from 12pm–3pm in front of the Palm Springs Convention Center. Self-parking is available for $10 per day. More information is available at www.palmspringsmodernism.com.
Modular House on Display
This year, Presenting Sponsor First Wave Development will showcase the Modular Front Facade Showstopper, a new modular housing solution, located outside at the entrance to the Modernism Show held at the Convention Center. The model will feature First Wave Development’s ZS2 Technology panels, its stunning DIRTT Residential interior finishes which showcase the classic Palm Springs lifestyle.
Free Talks
This year, the Palm Springs Modernism Show will offer a series of compelling free talks related to the exhibitors at the show. These include:
Keynote Talk by Presenting Sponsor First Wave Development: Mind the Gap! – Architecture for the Missing Middle (2/17, 12 pm)
Presented by Andrew Pedrick AIA, Founder of CVO MCTIGUE Architects
Can we afford a house like our grandparents could? What kind of house would it be and where would we find it? Can good design make housing better? This talk demonstrates how today’s modernism is creating housing that is more affordable, better built, healthier – turning houses into homes.
MCM and Walt Disney (2/17, 2 pm)
Presented by Scott Burroughs of Art of Scooter
In this talk, artist Scott “Scooter” Burroughs will share stories of how the midcentury modern era influenced Walt Disney, the development of his theme parks, the films and television shows the company created and produced, and how it impacted the many artists that worked for the company.
The Glassware Rebel: Gay Fad Studios Story (2/18, 12 pm)
Presented by Jason Annecy of Gay Fad Studios
Gay Fad Studios was a premier glass company from 1939-1962. Founder Fran Taylor built the company from a $30 investment to achieve multi-million dollar sales and international distribution. Known as the Glassware Rebel in her time, Taylor shattered norms and blazed a trail 10 years before her competition arrived. In 2022, husbands David and Jason Annecy resurrected the company to preserve Taylor’s contributions and continue her mission. Join Jason Annecy as he provides an inspiring perspective of Gay Fad Studios’ origin and the indelible mark they left on midcentury design.
Salt of the Earth: Artist Talk and Book Signing (2/18, 2 pm)
Presented by Barbara Boissevain
Salt of the Earth is a striking monograph which skillfully captures humanity’s impact on the environment. From ground-level perspectives to aerial shots, Barbara Boissevain’s unique compositions of industrial salt ponds accentuate the surreal qualities of landscapes altered by human activity. After the talk she will sign copies of the book which is being offered before its North American release in Spring 2024.
Vintage Piano Display
Piedmont Piano Company, Oakland CA will be bringing an array of vintage 20th century pianos. “We are very excited to be bringing some of our best vintage 20th century pianos to Palm Springs during Modernism Week says Jim Callaghan, President. “The pianos will be on display for sale in the show lobby and will feature daily concerts. The display will feature several pianos including a rare, vintage ‘Andreas Christensen’ Copenhagen 1967.”
New this year to the show is AfterGlow: The Palm Springs Modernism Online Showcase (2/19 – 2/25, free). Sponsored and co-produced by Silver Sponsor Bidsquare, AfterGlow will feature many of the items that were offered in-person at the show through a simple interface on the Dolphin Promotions website at palmspringsmodernism.com. This extension of the in-person show offers anyone an opportunity to continue to shop from the participating dealers after the show concludes. AfterGlow debuts Monday, February 19 at 4 pm when the Palm Springs Modernism Show closes and runs through March 1st. Participation in the sale is exclusive to participants in the Modernism Show. A portion of the proceeds benefit Modernism Week, a 501c3 non-profit that celebrates and fosters Architecture and Design as well as contemporary thinking in these fields by encouraging education, preservation and sustainable modern living represented in the Coachella Valley. The sale will be hosted on Palm Springs Modernism Show website as well as on BIDSQUARE. Bidsquare is a leading technology company that provides white-label software and inventory management solutions allowing dealers to run online events and sales on their own websites.
Pre-registration is open now at www.afterglow.palmspringsmodernism.com. The sale begins at 4 pm on Monday, February 19 and runs through March 1. The online catalog may be viewed the weekend of the show but buying will not commence until Monday.
Preview Party
An exciting early buying preview benefiting Modernism Week will take place on Friday evening, February 16 from 6–9pm. At the biggest party during Modernism Week, attendees will enjoy a full open bar, complimentary valet parking, hors d’oeuvres, live music, and the “exclusive opportunity” to be among the first to see and shop the world-class collections before the show opens to the general public. Preview party tickets are $125 in advance and $150 at the door and include return entry to the show all weekend. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit Modernism Week, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.