The Los Angeles Conservancy will host Venice Eclectic: Modern Architecture from the 1970s and ’80s tomorrow from 10am-4pm. An “Architects Panel Discussion” will be held from 1:30 – 2:15 p.m. at the Westminster Avenue Elementary School Auditorium.
From the organizers:
This one-day-only architectural tour and architects’ panel discussion will explore how affordable land, a culture of creativity, and an open- minded community made Venice of the 1970s and ’80s the right place and time for experimental young architects to cut their teeth on new designs using unorthodox materials in limited spaces. The result is an impressive collection of surprising, whimsical, and innovative modern structures by architectural greats such as Steven Ehrlich, Frederick Fisher, Frank Gehry, Frank Israel, and many others. The tour is part of Curating the City: Modern Architecture in L.A., a series the Conservancy is producing as part of the Getty’s Pacific Standard Time Presents: Modern Architecture in L.A.
Tour sites include:
Bay Cities Garage/Continuum, Franklin D. Israel Design Associates, 1990 The working studio of Charles and Ray Eames for over 40 years, this building underwent a remodel by Frank Israel that created new spaces and introduced the concept of an interior “street.” Indiana Avenue Houses/Arnoldi Triplex, Frank O. Gehry and Associates, 1981 Designed for Gehry’s artist friend Chuck Arnoldi, these three buildings are a deconstruction of the modern box.
Hopper House, Brian Murphy, 1989 Built for the late actor, filmmaker, artist, and art collector Dennis Hopper, this stunning home reflects the unique lifestyle of its original owner.
Ed Moses Studio, Steven Ehrlich Architects, 1987 In a supreme example of the collaboration between art and architecture, Ed Moses and Steven Ehrlich worked together to transform a small garage into a light-filled and award-winning studio. This site will only be open from 2-4 p.m.
Tasty Spuds (Arnoldi Studio), original architect unknown, 1959 Popular California artist and longtime friend of Frank Gehry, Chuck Arnoldi turned this former Tasty Spuds potato processing plant into his studio space in 1984.
Windward Circle, Steven Ehrlich Architects, 1987-1989 Three postmodern structures pay homage to Venice’s early history while bringing new energy to the heart of the community.
Architects Panel Discussion:
In addition to visiting the tour sites, guests will be treated to a brief, and very special, panel discussion with three of the architects featured on the tour. Steven Ehrlich, Frederick Fisher, and Brian Murphy will discuss the work they were doing during the ’70s and ’80s in Venice, in a conversation moderated by Daniel Paul, Senior Architectural Historian at ICF.
How the Tour Works:
• Tickets are available for specific start times by clicking here. $35 general public, $30 L.A. Conservancy members, $15 students, $10 children 12 and under
• Parking and check-in will take place at Westminster Avenue Elementary School (1010 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, CA 90291).
• Once checked in, guests can visit the sites in any order, at their own pace. Docents will give tours at each site. All tours will end promptly at 4:00 p.m.
• Most sites are within walking distance (total of around two miles). • Photography will be prohibited at some sites. No exceptions. • All ticket sales are final; no refunds or exchanges.
