DESIGNPHILADELPHIA

The next generation of Industrial, Interior, Graphic and Digital Designers make their way to the far ends of Center City this evening with presentations, models, materials and mock-ups all on display for your eyes to see. Libations and good times are served up handily, of course…

School of Design and Media, Philadelphia University
Senior Design Show 2008
Opening Reception Friday May 9th 6-9 PM
Marketplace Design Center at 2400 Market Street

Westphal College of Arts & Media Design, Drexel University
Interior Design Student Show 2008
Opening Reception Friday May 9th 6-10 PM
Old City’s F.U.E.L Gallery at 3rd and Arch

Not the latest fright flick as you might think, but rather a trend in the design of “chick lit” book jackets (and more)…

From Karen Heller @ Philly.com:
“Women’s literature has moved beyond the pale - all matter of pinks from pale to insistent - to dismemberment. These days, publishers are partial to flashing body parts, specifically women’s body parts, often legs and exquisitely shod feet, on book jackets…. The thinking, or so I imagine, is that readers will look at these women’s body parts or backs and identify. ‘Why that’s me!’ or ‘That looks just like my old friend Susie!’ In other words, they think we’re stupid.”

While I’m 100% percent Machismo (as I’m certain you fully know), this is worth a second look…

More to see n such:
Philly.com- full article with examples
Population Five - another good read and more images still
Galley Cat- the critics are mounting
Sassy Monkey Reads - ever more still
Feministing aka “Full Frontal Feminism,” yikes.

Your host has some matters that require his full attention for a time, including but not limited to an update of this here blog’s Faves section that you’ve come to know, and to love. Aww…

In the meantime, why not make a pretty picture of your very own? Best pic gets a prize. ;)

On such a lovely lovely day, why not imbibe some culture for happy hour instead?

Celebrating Charles Eames

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Charles Eames, his grandson and current director of the Eames Office, Eames Demetrios, will present an illustrated lecture at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

In “Charles Eames Centennial: The Eames Design Legacy,” Demetrios will describe the designer’s upbringing and early career, the design process and philosophy of Charles and Ray Eames, and their impact on the history of design. In addition, he will share special treasures from the Eames family archives and screen the rarely seen short film Callot, which Charles and Ray made for the American Philosophical Society in Philadelphia in 1974.

Spring Lecture from the PMA’s Collab
PMA’s Van Pelt Auditorium- Main building, Ground Floor
Friday April 25th from 6-7PM
Collab Members FREE, PMA Members $5.00, Adults, $20.00 and Students FREE after General Admission with student ID. Museum admission included in price.

Andddd….. Just for kicks and in case you missed it: another Eames’ 100th celebration earlier this year, right here in Philly. Certainly sure to please. ;)

Springtime in Philadelphia is offering many lovely things for us design-o-philes this year: buds on newly-planted street trees, fountains in recently-up-funded parks and of course a whole new set of urban planners roaming our fair bureaucratic halls. But lo, there’s one much-anticipated component of the season that’s notably absent this season: DesignPhiladelphia.

By now you’re well-aware that the citywide cultural initiative recognizes the region’s distinguished design history and drew an audience of over 160,000 last year. Of course you knew DesignPhiladelphia celebrates Philly’s contemporary significance as a center for the advancement in the design disciplines. And certainly I need not mention for one week the city becomes an arena of design with over 50 events, including exhibitions, lectures, gallery openings, book signings, studio tours, and workshops all taking place under the single, magnificent DesignPhiladelphia banner… But do you realize, my dear, dear reader that there’s been a slight, but oh-so significant shift in this year’s schedule?

Ever-savvy to the greater world beyond, DesignPhiladelphia returns this year from October 16th through 22nd, allowing the events to run in conjunction with National Design Week. Sponsored by the Cooper-Hewitt Museum, National Design Week is “an initiative that aims to draw attention to the ways in which design enriches everyday life, through outreach to school teachers and their students, and partnerships with design organizations across the country…” Might I also add this year’s series nicely dovetails with another newly-minted Philly institution: P.O.S.T. aka the Philadelphia Open Studio Tours. See how smart these people are? Very, if you ask me. ;)

Once more, architects, artists, craftspersons and of course the ever faithful round of industrial- interior- fashion- graphic- & landscape- designers all make for an event not to be missed this fourth time around. Certain to be a coup, the selected theme for 2008- “Down to Earth: Evolving Design in the 21st Century” - is “a subject matter that recognizes and gives voice to the enormity of eco-culture initiatives taking place locally, across the country and around the world.” Good stuff, for you and for me.

For information on becoming a sponsor and/or participant of DesignPhiladelphia 2008, please contact the always-congenial (Ms. Beth Van Why or visit the DesignPhiladelphia website.