August 2019 Design & Art Event Hotlist
Get inspired by Andy Warhol, Irma Boom, Michelle Rial, and other innovators who shake up the worlds of design and art. In/Visible Talks’ co-founders (and long-time practicing designers) Arianna Orland and Dava Guthmiller have picked their “must do” events to help you decide which talks, exhibits, and experiences need to be on your summer calendar. We’ll see you there.
Andy Warhol—From A to B and Back Again.
We can’t begin to count the number of design and other visual media works that have been inspired by Andy Warhol. Through his carefully cultivated persona and willingness to experiment with nontraditional art-making techniques, Warhol understood the growing power of images in contemporary life and helped to expand the role of the artist in society. He passed away in 1987, yet he continues to inspire us in the 21st century. $35 or free with membership. Now through September 2. Closed on Wednesdays, open till 9:00 pm on Saturdays. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, 151 Third Street, San Francisco.
Presidio Kite Festival.
Let’s go fly a kite! When your muse needs a creative lift, it’s time to get outside and play. At this family-friendly event, you can design your own kite (or bring one you’ve picked up at the store) and send it soaring. Or just kick back on the lawn and let the wind unwind your mind. The event is free (although an RSVP is appreciated), and free kites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. August 10, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Presidio Parade Grounds, 103 Montgomery Street, The Presidio, San Francisco.
Am I Overthinking This? Book Launch.
Did I screw up? How do I achieve work-life balance? Am I eating too much cheese? In her funny and insightful first book, filled with 101 artful charts, Michelle Rial addresses the little dilemmas that loom large in the mind of every adult. She’s funny, she’s playful, and she offers solidarity to all of us who just need to laugh at our obsession with over-answering life’s questions. Free. August 13, 7:30 to 9:00 pm. The Bindery, 1727 Haight Street, San Francisco.
MAKE Summer Parklet Party.
Collaborate with artists and makers under the stars in preparation for two new exhibitions, “Interior/Exterior” and “Dead Nuts: In Search of the Ultimate Machined Object”. Enjoy hands-on takeaways that preview the upcoming shows, including Macon Reed–inspired bottle vases and a hardware jewelry bar where you can design your ultimate machined wearable. Plus, contribute to the exhibition by painting paper clay bottles to be used in Reed’s installation, “Eulogy for the Dyke Bar”. Free for Museum members; tickets $6 to $8. August 15, 6:00 to 9:30 pm. Museum of Craft and Design, 2569 3rd Street, San Francisco.
This Book is Not a PDF with Irma Boom.
Celebrated Dutch designer Irma Boom specializes in making books, and every book she makes is special. Through her innovative manipulation of content, her use of unconventional materials, and her mastery of production techniques, she pushes the boundaries of book design. On this rare visit to San Francisco, Boom will present several of her books from Letterform Archive’s collection. Free. August 27, 6:00 to 7:30 pm. Koret Auditorium, San Francisco Public Library (Main Library), 100 Larkin Street, San Francisco.
Want more? Check out the In/Visible Talks blog for reviews of design and arts events we’ve attended recently and to learn about upcoming opportunities.