The term ‘Art Deco’ was coined in an exhibition, ‘Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes,’ held in Paris, in the year 1925. The exhibition was organized by some French artists to promote the creation of a new genre of art, adapted to the contemporary lifestyle, a distinct sense of individuality, and fine workmanship. The organizers of this exhibition were the members of the society, ‘La Societe des artistes decorateurs,’ including, Hector Guinmard, Eugene Grasset, Raoul Lachenal, Paul Follot, Maurice Dufrene, and Emily Decour. The term ‘Art Deco’ however, gained widespread recognition only in the year 1968, when art historian Bevis Hiller, came out with his popular book, ‘Art Deco of the 20s and 30s,’ and organized an exhibition, ‘Art Deco,’ at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.

This movement was distinguished for its abstraction, manipulation, and simplification of defined geometric shapes, and a vivid use of colors. The bold color schemes and blending curves were the focal points of the true ‘Deco’ creations. The so-called ‘ancient arts’ of Africa, Ancient Egypt, and Aztec Mexico, prominently inspired this movement. In the age of machines and streamline technology, the use of materials, such as plastics, enamels, harden concrete, and an unusual type of glass, ‘vita-glass,’ greatly affected the movement. There is sufficient evidence to indicate the employment of materials, like aluminum, stainless steel, lacquer, inlaid wood, along with exotic materials, like zebra and sharkskin.

The Empire State Building, famous for its pyramid-like structure, and the Chrysler Building, known for its multi-arched dome, are the living examples of the ‘Deco’ style. The movement even outlined the fashion industry of Paris in the 1920s. The dresses sported large chromium buttons, head-hugging cloche hats worn with huge fur collars, dangling earrings, and so called ‘bobbed hairstyles,’ all amounting to completely new and revolutionary look. The BBC Building in Portland Place and the basement of the Strand Palace Hotel, London are the examples of the pure ‘Art Deco’ style. The popularity of this movement took a beating during late 30s and 40s, but regained its lost sheen with the surge in the following of ‘graphic designing’ in the 1980s.

By Annette Labedzki
Article Source: Art Deco Movement – The Foundation Stone of Modern Art

Annette Labedzki received her BFA at the Emily Carr College of Art and Design in Vancouver, B.C. Canada. She has more than 25 years experience. She is the founder and developer of Labedzki.com. An online art gallery featuring her original art.

It is a great site for art collectors to buy original art. Please visit the website at http://www.labedzki.com

• Contemporary artistic developments
• Performing arts
• Film
• Education programs

The Walker Art Center is recognized internationally as a singular model of a multidisciplinary arts organization and a national leader for its innovative approaches to audience engagement.

The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is one of the nation’s largest urban sculpture parks and sits adjacent to the Walker Art Center. The Garden’s most popular work is Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen’s Spoonbridge and Cherry (1985-1988). It has become a symbol of the Twin Cities. The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden created an extraordinary force for bringing new visitors inside the Walker as well as to create new audiences for contemporary art.

Special Occasions at the Walker Art Center

The indoor and outdoor facilities at the Walker Art Center offer a unique atmosphere for artful dinners, refined receptions, weddings, meetings and other events. The new building is designed by Swiss architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron. It features flexible spaces for almost any size gathering. Special features include a shimmering façade and skyline views. There is convenient underground parking. You can expect nothing less than perfection from start to finish of your unique occasion. With almost limitless menu options and their exclusive caterer, internationally acclaimed chef Wolfgang Puck, your dining experience will be as unique as your occasion.

Gallery Admission Prices

• $10 for adults, $8 for seniors (65+), $6 student/teen (with ID)
• Free to Walker members and children less than 12 years of age
• Free with a ticket to a same-day Walker event
• Free to all every Thursday evening (5-9) p.m.) For Target Free Thursday Nights and the first Saturday of each month for Free First Saturday

Event Ticket Prices

You can purchase in advance tickets to all the Walker events (subject to availability). They will add a $3 processing fee to phone, mail and online orders.

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden Admission Prices

Admission to the Sculpture Garden is free and is open daily 6:00 a.m. to midnight. The Cowles Conservatory is a free admission and open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and is closed on Monday.

Where to Eat

For modern dining and contemporary taste featuring Asian-influenced California cuisine, consider the 20.21 Restaurant & Bar by Wolfgang Puck. For reservations call 612-253-3410. Walker Art Center members can save 10% on 20.21 dining. This restaurant is open Tuesday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., 5:30 to 10:00 p.m., Friday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., 5:30 to 11:00 p.m., and a Sunday brunch from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The Gallery 8 Café brings fresh ingredients to a casual setting featuring many delicious and seasonal selections of soups, salads and sandwiches. The Café is open Tuesday through Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Coffee Cart: Enjoy assorted beverages and signature snacks in the Bazinet Garden Lobby served by Wolfgang Puck.

Gallery Group Tours

There are disability accommodations available for visitors with physical or developmental disabilities and for people with visual or hearing impairment. You can call 612-375-7609 at least four weeks in advance for more information.

Hearing augmentation devices are available for events in the Cinema, Lecture Room, and the William and Nadine McGuire Theater. If you need a pair of headsets, these can be borrowed form the lobby desks free of charge.

Signed Interpretation

Signed interpretation is available for any Walker event. You will need to call the box office in advance. Telephone numbers are: 1-612-332-6000 and reservation line is 1-866-866-8086.

Where to stay:

The Millennium Hotel Minneapolis is within walking distance of the Walker Art Center. The hotel also offers easy access to commercial districts, dining, nightlife and other cultural activities.

By Connie Limon
Article Source: Vacation Ideas – The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

Source: Walker Art Center Online

Important Disclaimer: The URL address in the resource box of this article is not associated with any of the attractions mentioned in this article. This article and the web site are offered as a resource for formulating vacation ideas.

© 2007 Connie Limon All Rights Reserved

Written by: Connie Limon. For more vacation ideas visit http://smalldogs2.com/VacationIdeas For a variety of FREE reprint articles and special topic articles rarely found elsewhere visit Camelot Articles at http://www.camelotarticles.com