Palm Springs, CA
The Friends of the Palm Springs Library will be helping to celebrate Modernism Week’s 20th Anniversary by offering two great activities in February to add to Modernism Week’s line-up.
Alan Hess Lecture and House Tour of a 1929 Spanish Revival Transformed Into A Modern Marvel.
Up first is a house tour on Thursday, February 20, with tours available from 10AM – 2PM, showcasing a unique Spanish Modern home. Featured in Architectural Digest, this 1929 fully reimagined home reflects the award-winning talents of Lucas Design, a brother and sister duo out of Seattle, Washington, and is a great expression of how to blend Spanish Revival architecture with the sophistication of modern design elements. Capturing the vibrant spirit of Palm Springs, this contemporary home features bold wallpaper and tile choices, floating fireplaces, and grounds that will astound and inspire your senses, this desert gem is not to be missed! Tickets are only $45 and can be purchased at: https://go.modtix.com/f/2025/spanish-revival
Then on Friday, February 21 at 11 AM – 12:30 PM, join the Friends at the Palm Springs Public Library to hear Alan Hess, nationally recognized architect, historian, and author of twenty-two books on Modern architecture, including his newest book “The Palm Springs School 1934-1975” launching at this year’s Modernism Week. At this lecture Hess will talk about how and why he chooses his book subjects, how he researches, and how the act of writing leads to new discoveries and insights into those subjects. Reflecting on his years of writing, he says “I’ve been writing one big book over the last 35 years — one subject has led naturally but unexpectedly to another in ways that make weird sense, if only to me!” Hear more about these unexpected connections as he shares insights and stories about several of his books. Learn firsthand what it takes to be a modernist writer! A selection of his books will be for sale at the event courtesy of the Best Bookstore in Palm Springs. Tickets are still available and are just $25, buy your ticket at: https://go.modtix.com/f/2025/alan-hess
Each year since 2016 the Friends have participated in Modernism Week, offering a variety of events from lectures, and film screenings, to house tours, cocktail parties, book sales, and unique exhibits. “Modernism Week has given the Friends a unique opportunity to offer programs to our community and to visitors that fits within our mission while helping us raise funds to support the Library,” said Nanci Morrison, President of the Friends of the Palm Springs Library, “our board works very hard to offer creative and interesting events each year, and we appreciate the opportunity that Modernism Week provides to local non-profits like us!”
The Friends of the Palm Springs Library raise funds for the library through daily and annual book sales, special events, planned giving, annual dues and grants. Their mission is to support the Library in providing world-class service to the community through purchasing needed supplies, furniture, and equipment for the library, and by advocating for funding, gifts, and memorials. The Friends are the sole-sponsor of the Palm Springs Speaks series in an effort to raise not only funds but also awareness about the library and programs that encourage reading, culture, and the arts as well as volunteer-based activities to support our greater community. To learn more about the Friends or how to become a member go to www.friendsofthepalmspringslibrary.org