Bottoms Up: Lessons In Midcentury Modern
- Chris Hughes
- May 27, 2024
- 3 min read
In just under a month, Bottoms Up: A Midcentury Barware Show will take center stage in Lancaster, Ohio, from June 21-23, 2024. This event promises to be a vibrant celebration with a wide array of activities, drinks, shopping, and more!
Among the exciting offerings and happenings throughout the weekend are 10 free presentations, which will be hosted at either the Fairfield County District Library Main Branch or the Ohio Glass Museum and Glass Blowing Studio. These presentations will provide attendees with enriching experiences and insights into the world of midcentury modern.
Are you an online seller or a glassware enthusiast who ships glassware across the country? You won't want to miss "The Art of Packing and Shipping Glassware with the Barware Lady" on June 22nd from 1 p to 2 p at the Ohio Glass Museum and Glass Blowing Studio. Attendees will learn the fine art of packaging glassware safely and minimizing the potential for breakage from the experienced Barware Lady, Amy Chastek, who has over 20 years of shipping auction items across the country.
Those with a penchant for tiki bar experiences and a fascination with Polynesian culture should mark their calendars for the "Kahiki Supper Club: A Review of the History, Lore, and Experience of a Polynesian Paradise in Columbus, Ohio," scheduled for June 22nd from 1 p to 2 p at the Fairfield County District Library Main Branch. The Kahiki Supper Club, which opened its doors in 1961, quickly became the touchstone for all things tiki. Patrons would eagerly wait for hours not just to dine but also to catch a glimpse of celebrities like Betty White and Zsa Zsa Gabor who frequented the establishment.
Outside the restaurant, guests were greeted by two towering Easter Island heads with flames shooting from their tops, setting the stage for an immersive dining experience. Within the faux tribal village adorned with palm trees and thatched huts, diners were transported to a tropical oasis. An impressive aquarium housing exotic fish adorned one wall, while windows overlooking a simulated tropical rainforest, occasionally stirred by thunderstorms, adorned another. For nearly four decades, the Kahiki Supper Club reigned as the premier destination for tiki culture enthusiasts.
Co-authors Doug Motz and Jeff Chenault, authors of "Kahiki Supper Club: A Polynesian Supper Club in Columbus and the Kahiki Scrapbook," will take attendees on a nostalgic journey, delving into the rich history and allure of this iconic dining establishment. Following the presentation, guests will have the opportunity to purchase and have their books signed, adding a personal touch to their experience.
It's almost guaranteed that if you've ever looked at anything midcentury modern, especially artwork, you've come across the works of the artist known as Shag. Since the mid-1990s, Shag's paintings depicting cocktail parties, midcentury architecture, and tiki bars have been showcased worldwide. His works are prominently displayed in the permanent collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Shag's art has left a mark on various domains, including merchandise, fine art, and apparel for global companies.
Join the celebrated Palm Springs artist, Shag (Josh Agle), for "Bottomless Cocktail: The Life and Career of the Artist Shag," a multimedia talk exploring his upbringing and the inspiration behind his work. This event will take place on June 22nd from 2 p to 3 p at the Fairfield County District Library Main Branch.
Swing by the Ohio Glass Museum and Glass Blowing Studio for "The Perfect Martini and the Perfect Martini Pitcher" from 2 p to 3 p on June 22nd.
Tom Felt will be sharing information on the ever-popular West Virginia Glass Specialty Cocktail Pitcher. Nearly every glass decorating company, including Gay Fad, has presented designs that transformed blank glass into one of the most sought-after collectibles in the barware field today. Tom will also share his own recipe for the perfect martini, perfectly suited to be served using this pitcher!
Those interested in documentation and preservation won't want to miss "Accidental Archivist with George Smart, US Modernist" at the Fairfield County District Library from 3 p to 4 p!
George Smart, the host of Dwell, the #2 podcast in the architecture and design category, has captivated audiences across the United States. In this session, Mr. Smart will delve into the basic principles of modernist design, emphasizing its significance and illustrating how easy it is to initiate documentation and preservation efforts not only in Lancaster and Fairfield County but also in other communities. He will share how simple tools like a car, cell phone, and laptop can facilitate these endeavors.
Stay tuned for the next blog that will go into the remaining presentations!
Required Reading:
Comments