Modernism, which began in Europe in the late 19^th century, blossomed in the United States during the Arts and Crafts and Art Deco Movements, but it was the years following World War II that saw the products of a "new Modernism" surge into the average home. Modernism has always been tied to a sense of progress and optimism and certainly a new optimism prevailed from the late 1940s to the early 1960s. This time period was filled with hope for the future even as the Cold War took its emotional toll. A building boom was also taking place across the United States with the vertical ranch house the clear choice of many. As more and more families were able to own their home they looked to the future, rather than the past, for the objects to fill their houses.

Designers such as Charles and Ray Eames, Jens Risom, Russel Wright, Eva Zeisel, Paul McCobb, George Nelson and others pushed for both quality and affordability. The affordability, as an attribute, sets this time period apart from the earlier movements which were generally expensive and didn't migrate into an average home. These designers developed furniture and house wares from new materials like fiberglass and plastics or from more traditional materials like wood, but using new technologies. The companies that employed many of these designers built their reputations on manufacturing and marketing these everyday products.

The exhibition is organized and curated by the Asheville Art Museum with the assistance of Guest Curators Bobby and Kelly Gold.

EVENTS

Sunday August 26, 2:00 p.m.
Gallery Talk + Tour, Living by Design

Saturday August 4 & Sunday August 5, 2:00 p.m.
Screening Mr. Blanding Builds His Dream House

Image credits:

Charles and Ray Eames,DCW Chair (Dining Chair Wood) for Herman Miller, Inc., Designed 1949 and in continuous production, 29.625 x 19.975 x 30.75 inchs. molded p lywood. Courtesy of Rita and Murray Scher.