High Style
These two exhibits take a look at interior spaces—one, at a style that’s symbolized luxe life for almost three centuries, the other at a pioneer in designing them.
THE DESIGN
Starting in France in the 1730s as a whimsical answer to Baroque, Rococo, like bell bottom jeans, is one of those styles that keeps coming back. Through the years and different incarnations, this art style has always represented a young and adventurous spirit—a little luxurious, very much decadent and a bit cheeky.
This exhibit shows it all, from work by goldsmith and Rococo pioneer Juste-Aurèle Meissonnier to glass art by Dale Chihuly.
“This exhibition articulates the mission of the museum to explore the continuum of design as it surveys the Rococo style across centuries, continents and media,” Director Paul Warwick Thompson says. And with everything from handcrafted, one-of-a-kind pieces to mass-produced works, it will capture the attention of even the fussiest of museumgoers.
NEW YORK
THROUGH JULY 6
“Rococo: The Continuing Curve, 1730-2008” Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum www.cooperhewitt.org
THE DESIGNER
Dorothy Draper started a revolution when she established the first interior decorating company in the country in 1923. “Draper was the Martha Stewart of her time, a leader in design and marketing,” says Irvin Lippman, president and executive director of the Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale. “She introduced high style into interior design and she created a vocabulary that is still used by furniture makers, fabric and wallpaper manufacturers, and paint companies.”
She had a grandiose personality to match her taste—although she was conservative in her business deal-ings—making her a fascinating celebrity. With commissions from NYC’s Carlyle Hotel to The Greenbrier resort in West Virginia, she was a tastemaker of the mid-20th century.
This exhibit offers a rare look behind the finished product, displaying drawings, sample books, photographs and furnishings. It gives a glimpse into the height of the era’s style and may even inspire you to tackle a room or two in your own home.
FT. LAUDERDALE
THROUGH JUNE 23
“In the Pink: Dorothy Draper, America’s Most Fabulous Decorator” Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale www.moafl.org
EVENTS
MAY 8-10
HEART’S DELIGHT TASTING & WINE AUCTION
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Red wine is said to be good for the heart, and this tasting and auction has many vintages to choose from. Proceeds from this event—which focuses on the best Bordeauxs—go to the American Heart Association. Château Margaux has never tasted so good.
www..em>heartsdelightwineauction.org
MAY 10-11
SEAPORT VILLAGE SPRING BUSKER FESTIVAL
SAN DIEGO
For free entertainment of almost every kind, head to this festival that brings together the best street performers. Last year’s event included Didgeridoo players, jugglers and musicians, so you can expect to see, well, anything.
www..em>seaportvillage.com
JUNE 5-8
AUCTION NAPA VALLEY
NAPA. CALIF. (48 MILES NORTH OF SAN FRANCISCO)
For a weekend of fine wining and dining, head to this event. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi attended last year, when items for auction went beyond great bottles. Packages have been known to include a Lexus hybrid and a driving tour of Italy. The event also raises millions for charity.
www..em>napavintners.com
THROUGH MAY 18
“MYTHICAL CREATURES AND CHARACTERS”
LOS ANGELES
Head to the Craft and Folk Museum for this diverse selection of puppets from all corners of the world, including Shakespearian characters, Peter Rabbit and Ramayana’s Monkey King. It’s a fun way for all ages to appreciate the role of storytelling in every culture.
www..em>cafam.org
JUNE 6-22
THREE RIVERS ARTS FESTIVAL
PITTSBURGH
With more than 300 artists and crafters setting up shop, and two stages of live music every night, the festival’s main goal is to promote local artists. Theater and dance performances and activities for the kids will keep everyone happy.
www.artsfestival.net
JUNE 20-22
JAZZ IN THE WOODS
OVERLAND PARK, KAN. (12 MILES SOUTH OF KANSAS CITY)
One of the largest free music events in the area, Jazz in the Woods is a laidback event that raises money for charity. Bring your lawn chair and take the kids out to the woods for good music, amazing food and great causes.
www..em>jazzinthewoods.com
Summer’s Best
Milwaukee’s annual music celebration is the perfect way to enjoy the warm weather.
The “World’s Largest Music Festival,” Summerfest (sponsored by Midwest Airlines) is a Milwaukee institution, attracting big names and local artists. Between the Marcus Amphitheater and 10 other stages, there’s plenty of music to go around.
This year’s headliners at the amphitheater, the festival’s largest venue, include Rascal Flatts, RUSH and Tim McGraw. And that’s just the beginning. Kristi Chuckel, marketing and public relations manager, says the stages have a different headlining act on each of the 11 nights. “All our headliners are national acts… really big names,” she says.
Hoping to discover a new band?
Chuckel says during the day, all of the stages have local bands, with regional bands starting up later in the day.
For a more mellow experience, head to any of the 45 food vendors or visit one of the four marketplaces. In between concerts and shopping, try to find some time to rest your feet at the Midwest Landing.
JUNE 26-JULY 6
SUMMERFEST
MILWAUKEE
www..em>summerfest.com
