On Fridays, we review the highs and lows of the week, pause to ponder, and then plan for the next few weeks.
This Friday, we are loving the buildup of excitement for the upcoming Fall Design Events at AmericasMart and ADAC, the Southeast’s most comprehensive dual-venue design resource, and Steve was tapped to highlight the collaboration between these two trade shopping destinations. Over the past month, he thoughtfully created luxurious curated vignettes at each location which will be open to the trade. AmericasMart is open from Sept. 23-25 and Discover ADAC is set for Sept. 24-26 – hope to see you there!
We love dahlias…that’s our September obsession, as you can tell from Steve’s instagram account. Thanks to the sustainably-grown flower and fruit farm, 3 Porch Farm, dahlias have graced our table for two weeks. Maybe we’ll see you at the Freedom Farmers Market on Saturday. While you’re there, pick up some fabulous heirloom tomatoes too, and then make Southern Living’s Tomato Pie recipe, a real showstopper.
Finally as we pause and look ahead, the holidays (can you say Hallmark movies) will be here before you know it. We have company coming this year and thankfully we are ready for guests anytime with our beautiful American Leather Sleeper Sofa. It really is superb because there are no bars, no springs, stylish and comfy. Find out more at Verde Home, and remember to #shoplocal.
American Leather Comfort Sleeper Sofa at Verde Home
Spring means daffodils, tulips and the High Point Furniture Market! If you’re heading to High Point, we hope our paths cross at one of these exciting events. If not, follow along on Instagram to meet some talented friends and see the latest with Steve.
Learn tips from expert floral designer, Steve McKenzie
Here’s a quick run down of the action, a Saturday floral arranging demonstration at 2pm with none other than Mottahedeh and New Growth Designs. Stop in and say hi!
Delighted to be part of the ‘Dining by Design’ Designers!
Join us on Saturday afternoon 4 – 6pm for the ‘Designer Celebration’ at Alden Parkes with partner, Replacements, Ltd. for some dazzling and divine table settings, floral arrangements, and more.
Of course, please, DM us or text us or even call us. Let’s meet up, in person and share our ideas and inspiration. #hpmkt #inspiredtailoredauthentic
Artistic dance, cultural symbolism, and unique storytelling. That’s what artist Nick Cave‘s latest performance, Up Right: Atlanta is all about.
About Nick Cave:
Nick Cave is an African-American artist and dancer, famous for his embellished costumes, called Soundsuits, which he often stages in public spectacle. Though influenced by a vibrant palette of African art, armor, found objects, fashion and textile design, the Soundsuits are rooted in social critique. Cave first created a suit in the aftermath of the Rodney King beatings in 1991, envisioning an emotional shield that protects one’s race or gender while still expressing individuality.
Nick Cave
And we’re so lucky to have the opportunity to experience the art of Nick Cave in Atlanta! Our friend and talented designer, Kristen V. Cahill, met Nick Cave at Art Basel Miami in 2012 and has been working ever since to bring his work to our city, through Flux Projects.
Kristen is a member of the board for Flux Projects, and works with other members to bring new art and cultural experiences for us to enjoy right here in our city!
Here’s some info on Nick’s upcoming performances:
Up Right: Atlanta is a “call to arms, head and heart” for Cave initiates—the lead characters of this work. Through the performance, they are prepared mind, body and spirit to face the forces that stand in the way of self-hood, to enter a world over which they have complete control. Initiates become warriors of their own destiny. Cave is working with T. Lang, assistant professor of dance at Spelman College and artistic director of T. Lang Dance.
Photos by James Prinz Photography. Courtesy of the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York.
And if the ticket reservations and images associated with this performance’s promotion are any indication, it is not to be missed! The performances, starting today and over the next two days at Ponce City Market, are actually already sold out, but, as with many free performances, spaces may become available as reservation holders don’t show up, so consider coming out! In addition, Nick is preparing for future performances at his alma mater, the Cranbrook Academy for Art in Detroit.
Photos by James Prinz Photography. Courtesy of the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York.
If you’ll be missing out on this performance, Flux Projects is always working to bring innovative and captivating art-centered events to Atlanta, so be sure to subscribe to their mailing list. And mark your calendars for the next Flux Night, a night of art and experimentation, taking place October 5, 2015.
Here’s Flux Project’s mission:
Flux Projects produces exceptional and surprising temporary public art to galvanize Atlanta’s cultural curiosity.
We aspire to produce the most innovative art experiences in the world. We provide contemporary artists with financial, production, and marketing support to create aesthetically and conceptually rich work. These projects engage people in their daily lives, outside of traditional arts venues, and instill a sense of wonder. Our projects last from a few hours to a few months and demand the scale, duration, and visibility required to have a meaningful impact on a broad audience.
We seed Atlanta with creativity to foster cultural curiosity and a spirit of experimentation. We shift perceptions of people inside and outside the city to see the creative energy that is already here and imagine a future where that creativity is central to Atlanta’s official identity. We seek an ecosystem of risk-taking artists and an engaged audience that desires and supports innovative works of public art.
We’re all about that – a BIG thank you to Flux Projects for introducing us to the work of Nick Cave and for all you do for Atlanta!
A feeling of warmth, elegance, and comfort created by the unique juxtaposition of a mid-century modern aesthetic and the gracious sensibility that is southern living – that’s what design means to us here at steve mckenzie’s. And we’re looking forward to sharing that take on lifestyle and design here, with you, on our blog. Or, as we’re thinking of it, our digital journal. Because design is such a personal thing, so should the place where we store our thoughts and inspirations on the subject.
With these entries, we’re hoping to inspire others by sharing what inspires us. Whether it’s the finish or shape of a simple, everyday object, or an art exhibit seen halfway around the world, these findings all lead back to an easy, casual and effortless look that speaks to the aesthetic of steve mckenzie’s, and hopefully to you as well. Overall, it’s a lifestyle we love, and a love of sharing that lifestyle with others that’s led to this.
Some of our most memorable moments have been made entertaining family and friends around our dining table, and this is what influences the offerings at steve mckenzie’s more than anything. It’s a feeling we want to help create, not just a look, and that feeling is something we’re hoping to share in posts featuring much more than just the products and services offered at steve mckenzie’s. We’re taking this opportunity to share our favorite spaces, table settings, travels, art, architecture, and even people, who inspire us and enrich our lives.
From our family, to yours, welcome to the blog at steve mckenzie’s.
