INVT’s curated list of “must do” creative events is designed to inspire.

In an ongoing effort to feed our brains and our muses, each month INVT co-founders and practicing designers Arianna Orland and Dava Guthmiller take a look at all the invitations they receive and choose those they “must do.” Below you’ll find their curated “Hotlist” of Design & Art events for May 2021.

Art, nature, science, and sugar are some of the topics we’ll be exploring in the next several weeks. We hope you’ll join us as we learn, grow, and create!

Nature’s Design Vocabulary: Shapes, Colors, and Patterns in Nature. 

Discover the fascinating world of biomimicry. In this hands-on class, instructor and retired interior designer Deb Coburn will lead a discussion on why Nature designs the way she does. After looking at photos and examples, we’ll go on a treasure hunt for shapes, patterns, colors, and strategies. $50 to $60. May 1, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm PDT. Outdoors at Red Barn Classroom at Bear Valley, Point Reyes Station.

Party at the Piers: Emergence.

We love supporting San Francisco’s Exploratorium as they continue to transform science education—and intertwine it with art—making it accessible and exciting for learners of all ages. Their annual gala gives us the opportunities to see them through the prolonged closure due to the pandemic, fund their new season of growth, and re-inspire our curiosity and sense of wonder. Access to event livestream ticket is $40; access + event-themed gift ticket is $200 (limited availability). May 7, 6:00 pm PDT. Online.

TDC Type Drives Communities Conference.

Hosted by the Type Directors Club (TDC) over two half-days, this conference will explore the ways in which people use typography to form and transform creative communities. Join a diverse and international lineup of 20+ speakers for illuminating talks, presentations, and group discussions highlighting communities that use typography to pursue a common purpose, establish intergenerational connections, and spark and sustain change. $100 for members, $120 for nonmembers. May 7 and 8. Online.

Happy Mother’s Day!

To all the women who nurture us: Thank you! May 9, all day long. Throughout the US.

HOW Design Creative Leadership Summit.

INVT Co-Founder Arianna Orland and INVT21 Speaker Stephen Gates will both be speaking! Join us at this intimate virtual gathering that will focus on the emerging challenges faced by leaders in design, product, and engineering roles. Speakers will share insights, ideas, and tactics that they’ve implemented successfully to lead their teams to drive results. Free. All attendees are vetted prior to registration, and there are only 200 spots, so apply asap! May 10 and 11. Online.

At the Table: Sugarwork, Afro-Asian Art, and Foodways.

Ooh, how we love a tasty creative project! At this virtual event—presented by San Francisco’s Asian Art Museum in collaboration with the Afro-Asia Group and the Chef-in-Residence Program at the Museum of African Diaspora (MoAD)—we’ll delve into the bittersweet history of sugar to unearth stories of Afro-Asian cultural exchange in the Caribbean. The program includes demonstrations of sugar artwork techniques and recipes for sweet plantains and tostones. Recipes will be sent to registered participants with email confirmation. $10. May 20, 5:00 to 6:30 pm PDT. Online.