by Robin Cohen
The fifth annual Michigan Modernism Exposition is almost here! Dates for this year’s show are April 25 and 26, 1998, with the Gala Preview on Friday evening, April 24. The Board of Directors has appointed a steering committee, under the very capable direction of Co-chairs Darlene Carroll and Kim Zuccarini, that has been hard at work to make sure that Preview Party night is a huge success.This year’s party features delicious hors d’oeuvres by Canape Cart, wine and full bar. Michigan’s own very talented jazz vocalist Kathy Kosins will provide the entertainment for the evening.
This year in the DAADS booth, the Deco Society has joined with Cranbrook Art Museum to highlight the work of noted Finnish-American architect and designer Eliel Saarinen and textile designer Loja Saarinen during their residency at Cranbrook. Rarely displayed off the grounds of Cranbrook, the booth will include a collection of reproduction objects and furniture from Saarinen House, as well as a time line display of the Saarinens’ careers. DAADS will also announce its exclusive sponsorship of the 1998 Saarinen House tour season and has committed its efforts during Preview night and the remainder of the Exposition to help raise funds for a reproduction of the world-famous Saarinen House living room rug, so the original may be preserved.
The booth will bring not only the essence and unmistakable style of this remarkable 1930 house, but also an opportunity to learn more about Saarinen House and its importance to Cranbrook and the Detroit area community from our special guest, Gregory Wittkopp, the director of Cranbrook Art Museum. Gregory Wittkopp researched and directed the restoration of Saarinen House from 1988 through its transformation into a museum in 1994.