Last night I attended the opening night performance of “Ring of Fire” – a compelling storytelling through song about the legendary Johnny Cash, including his family and wife; the amazing June Carter Cash.
Patrick Metzger, Devon Busswood, Frankie Cottrell, Tainui Kuru, and Caitriona Murphy in Ring of Fire, 2024; set design by Patrick Rizzotti; costume design by Jessica Oostergo; lighting design by Robert Sondergaard; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company
Luckily my friend Lynda and I made it to the Arts Club Theatre at Granville Island only minutes before the start, after mistakenly first going to the Stanley Alliance Theatre on South Granville. I wondered why the marquee said “Guys and Dolls.” Anyway; note to self: always double check the ticket info beforehand duh.
In a nutshell the show was nothing short of INCREDIBLE. The performers were top-notch with their singing and musical instrument capabilities, that it could’ve easily been a Broadway Musical. I mean; they were truly mind-blowing.
FrankieCottrell (as Johnny Cash) in Ring of Fire, 2024; set design by Patrick Rizzotti; costume design by Jessica Oostergo; lighting design by Robert Sondergaard; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company
I’m personally not a huge country music fan, however I always admired Johnny Cash. His charisma and deep, resonant voice had a distinctive style blending country, rockabilly, blues, and gospel.
He often sang about the struggles of the common man, themes of redemption, faith, and justice. Cash’s music captured the essence of the human experience, reflecting both personal introspection and societal commentary.
Cast of Ring of Fire, 2024; set design by Patrick Rizzotti; costume design by Jessica Oostergo; lighting design by Robert Sondergaard; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company
Beyond his music, he was recognized for his authenticity and enduring influence on generations of musicians and fans alike.
DevonBusswood (as June Carter Cash) in Ring of Fire, 2024; set design by Patrick Rizzotti; costume design by Jessica Oostergo; lighting design by Robert Sondergaard; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company
I highly recommend seeing this show if you’re in Vancouver – even if you’re not a huge country music fan.
The beauty of abstract art, both for the viewer and artist, is that any person can interpret any art they see in whichever way they choose.
Libby Walsh is an artist friend I met in Palm Springs through a mutual friend (we call her Candy the connector) a couple years ago. We met when a group of us went to a fashion luncheon at Wally’s Desert Turtle in Rancho Mirage. Since then, we’ve seen each other a number of times on other occasions, including another Wally’s fashion lunch because we enjoyed it so much the first time.
Aside from being an artist with a twist (literally), Libby’s a true tennis fanatic enthusiast who can talk everything tennis related. She’s a regular spectator at the annual BNP Paribas Tennis Open in Indian Wells, featuring the best players in the world.
A former photo and food stylist for 25 years, Libby received a BFA degree with an emphasis on photography and sculpture.
Her broad range of creative endeavours have influenced her passion for design, composition, color, and the love of abstract expressionism.
Her art is a unique form. It revolves around using refined organic cotton material, which she transforms into sculptured ethereal compositions. The only surviving record and reminder of it is via photograph. The original materials are recycled for other creations. One small piece may be used in many ways for different creations…there is a place for everything. No waste. She calls it LibArt..photographed, organic compositions. Like this:
Swirling White on Black – Libby Walsh
She recently gifted our friend Mini an art piece for her birthday.
Mini with her smaller version of a White on Black art piece (there is a larger version) – Tonga Hut in Palm Springs.
Libby’s Photo Art is a visual endeavour, creating energy in a limited space. The composition of flowing lines that balance the positive and negative space, gives the viewer an invitation to Stop, Reflect and Enjoy the limited, but not limiting motion of design.
Some of her works are scheduled to be on display in a gallery at the Perez Art District in Cathedral City. More details to follow.
For exhibit opportunities or purchasing please contact Libby at: libbywalsh(at)att.net (this is so AI cannot pick up the “@” character).
“FUN + GAMES” SHOW & SALE
Artists Center
The Artists Center
Come see our last show of the season before we close for our summer hiatus during July and August. View the 117 artworks in person at the Artists Center at the Galen (open Wed through Sun from 10 am to 4 pm from now through June 30th)…or browse (and shop!) See link below.
At Artists Center Reception with friends Candy & Valerie.
Stop, Reflect and Enjoy!
For more info on Artists Center Current Exhibitions and Shows:
With our friend Candy outside a gallery at Perez Art District in Cathedral City, Ca.
The Artists Council is committed to a fulfilling creative life for all and recognizes the powerful impact art can have on our world, both in the making of art and exposure to it. Our concept of inclusion embraces all races, genders, ages, religions, identities, personal experiences and lifestyles. Cultural inclusion is one of our guiding principles.
Subscribe to our newsletter and e-blast announcements – SUBSCRIBE
Last Wednesday was the opening of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” at Vancouver’s “Bard on the Beach.”
Charlie Gallant as Sebastian Olivia Hutt as Olivia, Photo by Tim Matheson
I walk my dogs around the area where the tents are assembled and it’s always amazing to see how far they’ve come from having absolutely nothing there to the remarkable display that becomes the epicentre for our Shakespeare festival. It’s nothing short of a hell of a lot of work to put this together; and then you have the gorgeous sets, rehearsals and finally the crowds. Then we know that summer has arrived.
Photo: Tim MathesonWith the very tall premier of British Columbia; David Eby. I’m wearing my “As You Like It” t-shirt purchased from the Bard Boutique last season (they still have some left).The boutique offers a lot of fun souveniers.
I must admit that it’s always a bit of a challenge to review Shakespeare. The characters always portray profound insights into the human condition, delving into the complexities of human nature. The plays are infused with poetic language, universal truths and a touch (in some cases more than a touch) of whimsy. The classic play explores themes of love, power, ambition and betrayal. Some resonate with me more than others.
“Twelfth Night” is a comedy filled with mistaken identities, love triangles, and witty wordplay.
The Company of Twelfth Night, Photo by Tim Matheson
Most critics consider it to be one of his greatest comedies, along with “As You Like It,” “Much Ado About Nothing,” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” My favourite so far has been “As You Like It” but it’s all personal and William Shakespeare is known to be the greatest playwright of all time.
It follows the story of Viola, who disguises herself as a man named Cesario, leading to romantic entanglements and humorous confusion. This play explores themes of love, desire, and self-discovery amidst a backdrop of elaborate schemes and mischievous pranks. It takes place in Illyria; a made up land of misrule. The land is a bright and brilliant carnival of confusion, where music is truly “the food of love.” And as usual, follow along because things happen fast.
Dawn Petten as Malvolia, Photo by Tim Matheson
The execution of this play is very well done and the players (accomplished actors who can sing) are excellent. I’m always impressed by them and their range of talent.
Olivia Hutt as Olivia, Photo by Tim Matheson
Need I say more? I don’t want to ruin the suspense or surprise. And quite frankly, I think you need to see it yourself to really understand what’s going on because there’s a lot going on and I prefer to keep my posts fairly brief and not to give too too much away. Let me know what you think.
It has been some while since I’ve been to an actual Broadway show, so watching this last night was almost like being back in New York. Meaning it was that good.
Daniel Curalli and Tenaj Williams in Guys & Dolls, 2024; set design by Scott Penner; costume design by Christine Reimer; lighting design by Gerald King; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company
Take a leap back in time to 194o’s New York City where gambling was rampant, night club performers were raunchy and attractive but empty-headed women were referred to as “Dolls” in the hit Broadway musical “Guys and Dolls” – now playing until June 30th at the Arts Club Stanley Alliance Stage in Vancouver. Now celebrating their diamond anniversary – shining bright for 60 years.
The last musical I saw on this stage was “Beautiful” – the Carole King Story and it was excellent. Of course I knew all the songs from having listened to “Tapestry” over and over again back in the day.
I must admit that I really enjoy a good musical with talented singers/dancers/actors, so this performance of “Guys and Dolls” hit all the right notes. I thoroughly enjoyed it and the familiarity of songs I’ve heard in the past such as “Sue Me” and “If I were a Bell.”
Yasmin D’Oshun, Madeleine Suddaby, Shannon Hanbury in Guys & Dolls, 2024; set design by Scott Penner; costume design by Christine Reimer; lighting design by Gerald King; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company
Based on a story and characters of Damon Runyon, “Guys and Dolls” first premiered in 1950 with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and a book by Jo Swerling & Abe Burrows. Set in the bustling streets of New York City, the show follows the intertwining stories of gamblers, nightclub performers, and missionaries.
At its heart, “Guys and Dolls” is a romantic comedy, featuring colorful characters such as Nathan Detroit, a lovable but perpetually broke gambler; Miss Adelaide, his long-suffering fiancée of 14 years who is desperate to get him to the altar; Sky Masterson, a suave and high-rolling gambler; and Sarah Brown, a devout missionary trying to save souls in the midst of the city’s chaos.
Cast of Guys & Dolls, 2024; set design by Scott Penner; costume design by Christine Reimer; lighting design by Gerald King; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company
The plot revolves around Nathan’s attempts to find a venue for his infamous floating craps game while simultaneously trying to avoid commitment to Adelaide. Meanwhile, Sky makes a bet that he can take Sarah on a date to Havana, Cuba, leading to unexpected romantic entanglements.
Filled with catchy tunes like “Luck Be a Lady” and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” “Guys and Dolls” is known for its vibrant characters, witty dialogue, and toe-tapping music. It’s a delightful blend of humor, romance, and old-school charm that continues to captivate audiences with its timeless appeal.
Yasmin D’Oshun, Madeleine Suddaby, Shannon Hanbury in Guys & Dolls, 2024; set design by Scott Penner; costume design by Christine Reimer; lighting design by Gerald King; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company
Header image: Cast of Guys & Dolls, 2024; set design by Scott Penner; costume design by Christine Reimer; lighting design by Gerald King; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company
Saturday was the opening night of a sold-out performance to one of the most popular operas of all time; CARMEN.
Sarah Mesco (Carmen) & Alok Kumar (Don Jose). Emily Cooper Photography
Congratulations to Vancouver Opera for celebrating 65 years with an awesome 2024-2025 lineup.
Once again, with my friend Rosa, at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver to enjoy an evening of revered arias sung in French with projected English subtitles, interesting colourful characters, spectacular costumes and set design. My first time seeing it and her third time; once at the Met in New York. Of course I’d heard about it but didn’t really know the story until now.
The good thing about going with an opera buff friend (as opposed to opera buffa or buffoon) is that they already know about the story, the composer and the arias. They can tell you which ones are “must-sees.” This was one of them. Like everything else, some are much better than others.
In the lobby of the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Photo Credit: a Stranger
It was probably the most enjoyable opera I’ve seen in a long time, if even a bit too long as it has four acts with a 25 minute intermission after the second act. I can’t believe how much detail goes into the making of a production of this scale. No small feat for the choreographer (Cydney Uffindell-Phillips). The actors suited their respective roles and gave magnificent performances. With so many actors on the stage all at once in several scenes, it makes you wonder how they all manage to get it together backstage. It must be organized chaos. It’s a grand undertaking that went seemingly seamless.
Emily Cooper Photography courtesy of Vancouver Opera.
The short synopsis tells the story of a hopeless soldier, Don José, who is seduced by Carmen, a fiery gypsy woman with an appetite for smuggling. As operas tend to go it’s full of infatuation, passion, jealousy, class conflict and gender inequality. Carmen; the dominant force here uses her beauty to get what she wants. Men fall in love with her at first glance and she knows it and uses it to manoeuvre her way in and out of situations. Oh; to have that much power in beauty alone. But she’s also cunning and a little dangerous. Men be warned! Blinded by her charm, they ignore the signals.
Nathan Keoughan (Escamillo the Toreador) at finale. Photo: d. king
The Acts are too long to describe here, but I suggest if you adore opera or want to learn more, check out the link below for tickets.
Finale. Photo: d. king
If you’re new to opera and want a brief description of popular opera terms check this out:
You’re at the opera house. You open the program book or you’re listening to the opera snobs talk, and you can’t understand a word — or at least some words. To get a handle on what they all mean, here’s a chart:
aria: An emotion-expressing song in an opera; the big number.
opera buffa: Funny opera, especially from the 18th century. Think Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro.”
bel canto: A style of sweet singing, taught to singers even today, that emphasizes breath control, a beautiful tone, and great flexibility in dynamics (going from loud to soft, for example).
opera seria: Formal, serious opera, especially from the 18th century.
cadenza: A moment near the end of an aria for the singer alone, with lots of fast, high, difficult notes, designed for showing off.
prima donna: The singer who plays the heroine, the main female character in an opera; or anyone who believes that the world revolves around her.
coloratura: A singer (usually soprano) with an extremely agile, light, pure-sounding voice, capable of easily singing fast, high notes.
recitative (“ress-it-uh-TEEV”): Speech-singing, in which the singer semi-chants the words, imitating the free rhythms of speech.
dynamics: The loudness or softness of a musical composition, or the markings in the sheet music that indicate volume.
Singspiel (“SING-shpeel”): A German opera with spoken dialogue (instead of recitative) between arias.
Leitmotif (“LIGHT-mo-teef”): A little melody that plays every time a certain character or object appears; invented by Richard Wagner.
trouser role: A man’s part played by a woman.
libretto: The script of an opera.
verismo: A realistic, “documentary” style of opera that depicts the seamy underbelly of life.
Lindsey Angell and Quincy Armorer in Red Velvet, 2024: set design by Amir Ofek; costume design by CS Fergusson-Vaux; lighting design by Jonathan Kim; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company
The following review was written by Kelly Johnson. Thank you Kelly for your contribution.
This captivating play within a play is about the little-known but true story of a ground breaking performer.
Red Velvet is the history making story of Ira Aldridge, the first black actor to appear as Shakespeare’s Othello on the London Stage in 1833. At a time when the public and parliament were debating the abolition of slavery, he replaced a much loved white actor named Edmund Kean who apparently took ill and couldn’t fulfill his role. So in steps Aldridge, at London’s Theatre Royal no less, in the title role. Othello was originally written about a black general in a white world.
Quincy Armorer in Red Velvet, 2024: set design by Amir Ofek; costume design by CS Fergusson-Vaux; lighting design by Jonathan Kim; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company
The irony of ironies is that Kean’s son was part of the theatre company, and very opposed to having this replacement, mostly for racial reasons. Racism is a central theme and runs through the company in various intensities and with various excuses.
Story:
The intense play opens up later in Aldridge’s life, in Poland before he takes the stage in a different show. His room is invaded in his absence by a young, inexperienced and ambitious female reporter for a local paper, enabled by one of the hotel’s servants. For the first several minutes of the play we get to watch these two frolic around the stage speaking German, and for some reason we are not treated to a translation of what they’re saying. However, the rest of the show is done in English.
So we start late in Aldridge’s career when he is asked by the ambitious small-town and small-time reporter who has ambushed him why he never went back to Covent Garden, where he made his name as the first Black Othello. He doesn’t answer directly, but it’s clear from his cranky demeanour that it’s not a fond memory for him. Then we switch to the past and that show in Covent Garden. We go through what happens with the company of actors in it, the reaction of audiences to the show and the reaction of the critics. When that is all laid out, we return to Poland in his later life and to a very powerful scene.
The cast was excellent. Quincy Armorer, who plays Aldridge, did a wonderful job of portraying an ambitious, cocky, optimistic and determined actor getting a big break in difficult circumstances and of the bitter, angry, disappointed and in many ways. beaten older man he becomes in the play.
Photo by Moonrider Productions.
Lindsay Angell, who plays his leading lady in the play-within-the-play, Othello, was nuanced in her portrayal of someone caught in the prejudices of the time, but open to changing her mind and perhaps more than a little turned on by Aldridge. She also happens to be the girlfriend/fiancee of Charles Kean, who is the son of Edmund Kean, a pompous ass, racist and stuck in his prejudice and jealousy.
John Emmet Tracy plays Pierre Laporte, who is the person responsible for bringing Aldridge into the company. He did a wonderful job in his portrayal of someone experiencing the intense conflict of someone who supports Aldridge completely (except when the cumulative societal condemnation threatens the staging of the play and his reputation). Interesting tie-in at the end, by the way, with the young Polish reporter outlining the kind of sexist barriers she was facing with the paper she was working for – to the barriers faced by Aldridge , and them finding some common ground. Not necessarily acknowledged by the cranky Aldridge, but still.
Kyla Ward and Quincy Armorer in Red Velvet, 2024: set design by Amir Ofek; costume design by CS Fergusson-Vaux; lighting design by Jonathan Kim; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company
The cast for the play is rounded out by Tess Degenstein, who plays several roles;Anthony F. ingram, who plays two different characters; Nathan Kay, again a couple roles; and Kayla Ward, who is our only other Black person on stage, a servant to the theatre company and a mostly silent witness to and judge of the behaviour of the company.
A good dollop of comedy made for a satisfying night at the theatre. The rest of the audience loved it, too – on their feet and cheering.
The play is on until April 21, 2024 at Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage.
The 2023 – 2024 season marks the 10th Anniversary of the Purple Room reopening.
In all the years I’ve been coming to Palm Springs, this is the first time I’ve had the pleasure of seeing “THE JUDY SHOW” – Purple Room owner Michael Holmes’ talented tribute to Judy Garland; along with guest star legends (you never know who’s going to show up – Bette Davis, Carol Channing, Talullah Bankhead, Liza Minnelli….). It’s a fun, entertaining show with Holmes (considered a true icon of Palm Springs) singing and morphing into all the different characters. Truly an experience not to be forgotten.
I’ve heard other people say how fantastic the show is, and now I can say so myself. My friend Mini and I had not only an incredible dinner and bottle of wine, but we enjoyed many laughs throughout the evening. The show is tops and we love an old-school supper club – a rare venue these days.
Once inside, the sophistication and glamour of the Rat Pack era comes alive. The club is tucked away in the unassuming Club Trinidad Hotel (named after Trini Lopez; who Frank Sinatra discovered and who used to play here). The Purple Room is where Frank, Sammy, Dean, and their pals cavorted on and off the stage in the swinging 60’s.
The room’s swanky retro vibe hosts music & comedy shows accompanied by a menu with world class cuisine and extensive wine/cocktail list.
Bartenders mix up classic concoctions with a modern twist and everyone is transported back to the elegance of a bygone era inside the intimate and inviting room. On other nights the club hosts well recognized Jazz & Broadway talent – six nights a week!
Although space is limited at Purple Room, it offers the opportunity to see major headliners up close and personal. The audience and the entertainers alike repeatedly talk about how they love the exquisite energy that is shared here.
Michael Holmes
Since variety is the spice of life, Holmes believes that having an appealing mix works best to bring people in. The room showcases a terrific variety of talent to appeal to almost everyone. From jazz greats like Grammy winner Diane Schuur to film and Broadway stars like Marilu Henner, Lucie Arnaz and comedy stars like Lady Bunny. It’s great on any given night, however, The Judy Show is comical and unique.
I had the pleasure of visiting this intriguing Donald Wexler designed house of steel with my friend Megan recently. This home has an interesting history of who designed it, who owns it and the exhibit now showing – BLAKEHAUS @ WEXLER.
Donald Allen Wexler (1926-2015) was an influential Mid-Century modern architect whose work is predominantly here in Palm Springs. He is known for having pioneered the use of steel in residential design. Some of the buildings he’s designed include the Palm Springs International Airport, Merrill Lynch Building, The Dinah Shore Residence and more.
In the desert, light is everything, and Wexler knew how to harness it.
“Light is not so much something that reveals, as it is itself the revelation.” —James Turrell
Whether inside or outside, you can see why this home was used as the backdrop for countless editorial and fashion shoots; it is owned by Jim Moore, former GQ creative director-at-large.
Palm Springs Life Magazine did a story on him. This next paragraph was taken from the magazine:
Ryan Reynolds, Kanye West, Tom Cruise, President Barrack Obama, and a big posse of other well-known fellas all took heed to Jim Moore’s impeccable fashion consult over the years. By all accounts, these famous gents all came out looking pretty dashing on the cover of GQ, the titanic men’s magazine where Moore has enjoyed a fabulous tenure as creative director for four decades.
Some gossipy history: Reading about the house in Architectural Digest, it was said that Moore had heard that the house once belonged to Billy Wilder. One day, an older neighbor getting her mail told him the truth: Wilder had lived there for only six months or so, and came seldom, but she’d once seen him in the driveway talking with Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy. The magazine went on to say “At Moore’s house, even the ghosts have pedigree.”
“I’ve never really looked at Palm Springs as being anything but stylish. There’s something glamorous about Palm Springs. It’s the little town that has the style of the big city.’” — Jim Moore
The home is now temporarily occupied by Peter Blake and his wife Stephanie. They reside in Laguna Beach and own The PETER BLAKE GALLERY; also in Laguna Beach.
All the furniture and artwork you see here is from the gallery. Moore’s own furniture was moved out for this special exhibit.
Blake’s wife Stephanie is an artist and floral designer. This is her gorgeous flower arrangement.
The gallery’s program effectively merges the disciplines of Art, Architecture and Design.
This special exhibit of artwork and furniture collection from the gallery places an emphasis on important design from the 20th century. The curated display traverses the decades from Bauhaus to Modern – as shown in these photos.
From the Gallery Website:
Peter Blake
FOUNDED IN 1993, THE PETER BLAKE GALLERY IS THE LEADING EXHIBITOR OF WEST COAST MINIMALISM, WITH A FOCUS ON CALIFORNIA LIGHT AND SPACEAND HARD-EDGE PAINTING. KNOWN FOR ITS RIGOROUSLY CURATED SOLO AND GROUP EXHIBITIONS, THE GALLERY HAS EXHIBITED AND PLACED IMPORTANT WORKS BY ESTABLISHED AND MID-CAREER ARTISTS INCLUDING PETER ALEXANDER, LITA ALBUQUERQUE, LARRY BELL, MARY CORSE, RON COOPER, TONY DELAP, FRED EVERSLEY, JOE GOODE, MARCIA HAFIF, JAMES HAYWARD, SCOT HEYWOOD, JOHN MCCRACKEN, JOHN MCLAUGHLIN, JOHN M. MILLER, HELEN PASHGIAN, JAMES TURRELL AND DE WAIN VALENTINE.
Photos: d. king (photos of me taken by Megan Abbott).
If you go to this page you’ll see a more in-depth video of the home under “Current Exhibitions” and the gallery at large:
This is another home I’ve wanted to tour for years. This 1960 deemed Class 1 historic site designed by William Krisel, is where Elvis and Priscilla Presley spent their honeymoon. It’s also referred to as “the pleasure dome”and “theAlexanderresidence” – as it was the home of designer Robert Alexander, his wife Helene, and daughter Jill. They lived there from 1960 – 1965. Very sadly, both Robert and Helene passed away in a tragic plane crash. Jill went to live with her aunt in Los Angeles.
I’ve always had a thing for unique eye catching doors.
Leonard Alexander, great uncle of Jill’s, leased the house to Elvis and Priscilla Presley. They honeymooned here in 1967.
After that, the house passed multiple hands: from a reclusive wife of a rancher to another owner cited by the city for letting the pool turn into a mosquito swamp. It was then repossessed by a Boston bank in 1987. Leonard Lewis purchased the house from the bank and turned it into a sideshow.
Bringing us to the new owners who had the sensible mantra of “how would the Alexanders do it” and made some renovations like adding a private balcony, raising the kitchen to accommodate modern furnisings and a brand new ceiling in the master bedroom.
The 4,700 square foot home has four living spaces within four 12-sided polygons. The four 30-degree-angled dodecagons (In geometry, a dodecagon, or 12-gon, is any twelve-sided polygon) rest at the four points of two facing , 45-degree triangles. Inner triangles comprise hallways and rooms connecting four main spaces.
The shape of the pool mimics the roof – which creates an ascending orientation.
Doors can be drawn to close off sections of the house away from public gatherings.
Thank you Modernism for opening up this home for our self-guided tour. We’re very happy to have finally seen it.
Here in the desert there is no shortage of gorgeous homes, but for Modernism week our focus is to celebrate and appreciate the preservation of midcentury architecture and design.
Today I got to tour the Wexler house, which interestingly enough, is a short walking distance from where I reside here in Palm Springs. While I always admired the outside of the house and wondered what lay behind the white walls, I had no idea of its importance of retaining the best of mid-century style and elegance. Now I know.
This is a Donald Allen Wexler (January 23, 1926 – June 26, 2015) designed home. Wexler was an influential Mid-Century modern architect whose work is predominantly in the Palm Springs area. He is known for having pioneered the use of steel in residential design.
H3K Home + Design worked with preservation consultant Susan Secoy Jenson (AIA – American Institute of Architects) to take this home back to its historic roots while keeping the original vision along with being able to support today’s lifestyle. No small feat.
Celebrating the home’s elongated flat roof with walls of glass, they delightfully blurred the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces, drawing the eye to the historic slump stone walls and wonderful pool area. The outside area exemplifies desert living and the mid-century modern experience. This home is a model of thoughtful architectural preservation enlivened by the best in modern design. It received a well deserved historic designation in 2022.
Photos: d. king
Modernism is on until February 25th. For tickets please visit:
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
You must be logged in to post a comment.