For the first time in its 37 years, the Washington, D.C., Modernism Show will be held online rather than in person. After two attempts to schedule an in-person show at a historic site in Alexandria, Va., were unsuccessful, the Art Deco Society of Washington (ADSW) decided “the show must go on, but online!,” said show chairman, Jim Linz.
The Art Deco Society of Washington is a nonprofit organization devoted to the preservation of the architectural, industrial, decorative, and cultural arts of the Art Deco era. The Modernism Show provides funding to support ADSW’s mission.
The online show will be held in partnership with Ruby Lane and will go 24/7 beginning at 8 a.m. ET on Saturday, Oct. 31, through 12 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1. An early buyers preview will take place Friday, Oct. 30, beginning at 8 a.m. ET. The early buyers preview will cost $20, but there will be no fee for shoppers during the regular two show days.
Customers can access the show and buy tickets to the preview through either the Modernism show’s website, www.washingtonmodernism2020.com, or through the Art Deco Society’s partner page on the Ruby Lane website at www.rubylane.com/partners. Special content is also planned for both websites in advance of the show.
Initially known as the Exposition of 20th Century Decorative Arts, or simply the Art Deco Expo, the show gradually expanded to include all design movements of the 20th Century, including Art Nouveau, Arts & Crafts, Art Deco, Art Moderne, Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern, and Atomic.
ADSW President Steve Knight is excited about the possibilities offered by an online show. “This show is the classic example of turning lemons into lemonade. Though the pandemic forced us to go virtual, we are excited that we will have dealers from around the country able to participate, and modernism enthusiasts from around the globe can attend,” stated Knight.
For example, David Repp of Rediscovered Paper will join the show from Pacifica, Calif., offering original architectural renderings, automotive concept art, and graphic designs. Similarly, Carolyn Martin of Carolyn’s Timeless Treasures will join the show from Fenton, Mo., offering early American pressed glass, Depression glass, postcards, and sewing items. John and Nora Knight of Bizarre Bazaar will join the show from Hudson, N.Y., offering aviation, automobilia, industrial design, and costume jewelry.
Washington Modernism show “attendees” from around the world will be able to shop for fabulous vintage furnishings and collectibles, including furniture, clocks, cocktail and barware, jewelry, ceramics, and more, with dozens of Art Deco and modernism dealers. Ruby Lane has strong followings in England, Germany, Japan, and Australia.
For more information, call Jim Linz at 703-568-3745 or email modernism@adsw.org.