Modernism Joins the Party - Page 2

"I don't feel that I am nostalgic for a certain architect, a certain form, or a certain chair," he explains on his website. "Rather, I am nostalgic for that simpler, more gracious time. I think that we as a society have a similar collective yearning. Perhaps that is why mid-century modern design has had, and continues to have, a hold on the American consciousness."

Kennedy's position, as reiterated in a phone interview recently, is that, in addition to appreciation for clean design and architecture, MCM is "a reminder of a time…where people were more civil." That also went a long way, he said, to "cause the resurgence in popularity."

Kennedy's talk will cover some of his book's tips on how to "channel that style," including one he personally enjoys on occasion: buying mid-century glassware secondhand and enjoying an adult beverage in it.

"It sort of makes me think of then, and to feel more swanky, like Dean Martin," the designer said with an audible smile.

A ticket to 'Making Midcentury Modern' or to any of the other three talks scheduled costs $50, and it includes admission to 'Bouquets to Art' in the museum's Koret Auditorium.

"What's fun is that some of the floral designs are quite literal interpretations of a work. For others, you have to really do some close looking to determine which artwork the floral artist has interpreted," Murray Fox promised. "If you like knowing the types of flowers used in an arrangement, the designers identify them [on placards]."

For tickets and more information on 'Making Midcentury Modern,' click here.