February 18 > Field Trip: Palm Springs Modernism Week > Backyard Oasis Tour

Michael Childers, The Hockney Swimmer, 1978, color photo, © Michael Childers

Join us for de LaB's annual spring field trip to Palm Springs Modernism Week.  This year, we'll take a tour of Backyard Oasis: The Swimming Pool in Southern California Photography 1945 -1982, another great Pacific Standard Time exhibition organized and hosted by the Palm Springs Art Museum.  The exhibition,  curated by Daniell Cornell, traces the development of art and cultural history within California Architecture and Design, Hollywood and Celebrity Culture, The Shape of Desire and Dreams, The Utopian-Dystopian Topos of Surburbia, and the Pacific Ocean as Context.

Once we've taken a dip in iconic SoCal imagery, we'll head to the brand new (and dangerously colorful) Saguaro to explore our own sub-culture rituals by the pool.  Formerly a Holiday Inn, the newly revamped property is owned by the Sydell Group (who also own the Ace Hotel across the street) and received a kaleidoscopic makeover by architects Peter Stamberg and Paul Aferiat.  The vibrant palette is actually based on tones found in native desert wildflowers.  The Joie de Vivre-run Saguaro, opens its doors February so we'll be among the first guests to check it out.

Saturday, February 18

1:30pm: Introduction by Palm Springs Art Museum Senior Curator Daniell Cornell
2:00pm: Docent-guided tour of "Backyard Oasis"
5:00pm: Poolside happy hour at the Saguaro

Tour tickets: 
Tickets for the tour cost $15/person and must be purchased in advance. We will not accept payment for tickets on the day of the tour.

BUY TICKETS HERE

Accommodations: 
We've reserved a block of rooms from Friday, February 17 to Sunday, February 19 at the Saguaro for a great rate of $109/night. To book one, simply call 1-877-808-2439 and say you're with "design east of la brea" (spell it all out, don't say de LaB). Reserve and pay for your own accommodations. Be advised there is a resort fee of $18/room.


Update: Wow, that was fast. Our room block is filled and the Saguaro is fully booked for the weekend. The Ace is booked as well. If you haven't booked your room, we recommend Caliente Tropics, which is just down the street. If you book through Kayak.com it's $164/night. Then you can still come party with us at the Saguaro! The Riviera also has rooms, although they're a bit more expensive. Also check Palm Springs Vacation Rentals or VRBO for house rentals—if you're with a group this might be a better option.

Other Activities:
Since it will be opening weekend of Modernism Week, there's no shortage of parties, tours, and exhibits.  Here's a full listing of all the events and ticket prices and availability.

Stop by the Modernism Week PreFab Showcase Village at 575 N. Palm Canyon Dr. to check out the latest and greatest in smart and sustainable living, including a new line of homes by LA prefab pioneer LivingHomes. Admission is free, no tickets or reservations required.  The village is open 10am - 4pm daily during Modernism Week.