Friday, December 28, 2012

Back to MODA for Next Wave

David Goodrowe and Tim Hobby, "The South's Next Wave: Design Challenge"
David Goodrowe and Tim Hobby,
"The South's Next Wave: Design Challenge"
A recent return to see The South's Next Wave: Design Challenge garnered a chat with the exhibition curators Tim Hobby and David Goodrowe, of Goodrowe | Hobby. Tim told me that they'd been working on the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) exhibition for a year and I was blown away to learn how quickly the installation went—merely days!

I met Tim and David on a visit to MODA for a curator-led tour, which was brilliant! I'm so glad I went...it exponentially enhanced my experience of the exhibition. 

MODA's programming is fantastic! But like any exceptional tourist attraction, it's only fantastic if you make the time to take advantage of it. In this case, I highly recommend that you do.

There are numerous other tours and discussion events coming up (check the MODA website for dates and times), many being hosted by designers who are showcased in Next Wave.

Some of the upcoming event tour guides include: Chris Hardy of Chris Hardy Design; the cg creative Team; and there's even a field trip with designer Lauriel Leonard of Dex Industries, when participants will have the opportunity to go on an exciting tour of the Dex plant! 

Mark you calendars, check the website for holiday hours, and enjoy these next few reasons to visit the Museum of Design Atlanta to see The South's Next Wave: Design Challenge...


The South's Next Wave: Design Challenge, Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
The South's Next Wave: Design Challenge,
Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
The South's Next Wave: Design Challenge, Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
The South's Next Wave: Design Challenge,
Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
The South's Next Wave: Design Challenge, Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
The South's Next Wave: Design Challenge,
Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)

These are just a teaser...you can find more photos over on the wanderlust ATLANTA Facebook Page, with lots of other information on things to do while visiting Atlanta. Enjoy!

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Garden Lights on Christmas Night

As of this moment, there are still tickets available for tonight's "Garden Lights, Holiday Nights" exhibition at the Atlanta Botanical Garden


Garden Lights, Holiday Nights, Atlanta Botanical Garden
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights
Atlanta Botanical Garden
In talking with many of my friends who didn't make it last year—the inaugural year, some of them have come across sold out nights this year, not realizing the grand popularity of the exhibition. 

So..if you've not yet been, I highly recommend purchasing your tickets online so that you don't risk getting there just to find out that they're sold out for the evening. And don't think that just because Christmas has passed that they won't be sold out...they're already sold out for tomorrow night!

Merry Christmas to all who celebrate!

Monday, December 24, 2012

High Marble

One of my favorite features of the High Museum of Art is its collection of marble sculptures. Of the 450 posts since launching wanderlust ATLANTA, a former post on "The Veiled Rebekah", a popular marble sculpture and part of the High's permanent collection, has garnered a substantial number of hits, telling me that art enthusiasts are already familiar with the High's impressive collection of marble statues. 

With that, I wanted to share with you a few more of the incredible marble sculptures at the High. But, I'm only showing the bust portion—hopefully enough to entice you to go see the entire sculptures. Each of these are full body sculptures.


Marble Sculpture, High Museum of Art "The Veiled Rebekah"
Marble Sculpture, High Museum of Art
"The Veiled Rebekah"

Marble Sculpture, High Museum of Art
Marble Sculpture, High Museum of Art

Marble Sculpture, High Museum of Art
Marble Sculpture, High Museum of Art

Marble Sculpture, High Museum of Art
Marble Sculpture, High Museum of Art
Marble Sculpture, High Museum of Art "Cleopatra"
Marble Sculpture, High Museum of Art
"Cleopatra"
There are just a few...the Museum has quite a few more, quite a few. Wander on over to the wanderlust ATLANTA Facebook Page to see more (but even that's not all of them!). 

Saturday, December 22, 2012

An Endlessly Engaging Experience


A recent trip to the High Museum of Art uncovered a delightful surprise. Artist Anish Kapoor says of his work Untitled, it “invites discovery and provides an endlessly engaging experience.

"Untitled" by Anish Kapoor, High Museum of Art
"Untitled" by Anish Kapoor,
High Museum of Art
Untitled is a multi-sensory experience…and it does indeed invite discovery.

The friend I was visiting with had seen the piece before, but didn’t know about the auditory aspect to the piece. Much like concave dishes you’ve seen placed on opposite sides of a room in science museums, this dish on its own allows visitors to carry on conversations from great distances as if they were standing next to each other.

"Untitled" by Anish Kapoor, High Museum of Art
"Untitled" by Anish Kapoor,
High Museum of Art

But actually, the carried sound sounded like my friend’s voice was being transmitted via radio. Very cool either way.

Visually, the dish is stunning. Kapoor has combined art and science using stainless steel triangular facets, because of his interest in fractals, “wherein multiples are equivalent to the whole.”

"Untitled" by Anish Kapoor, High Museum of Art
"Untitled" by Anish Kapoor,
High Museum of Art

Anish Kapoor is also the artist responsible for Cloud Gate in Chicago’s Millennium Park. Some will know Cloud Gate as the giant silver kidney bean that’s very popular with tourist and local artists. 

"Untitled" by Anish Kapoor, High Museum of Art
"Untitled" by Anish Kapoor,
High Museum of Art
To give you an idea of just how large this particular piece is, the person in the below shot is approximately six feet tall.

"Untitled" by Anish Kapoor, High Museum of Art
"Untitled" by Anish Kapoor,
High Museum of Art
For those who have never been to the High Museum of Art, I highly recommend including it in your touring plans. There's a lot to see there and they also have some pretty amazing programming...check it out!

Friday, December 21, 2012

Garden Lights a Global Sensation

If you've not yet been to see this year's "Garden Lights, Holiday Nights" at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, get your tickets soon. This weekend—Saturday and Sunday—is already sold out! Garden Lights is on every night 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. through Saturday, January 5, 2013. 

Garden Lights is gaining global recognition. Forbes recently named Garden Lights Holiday Nights one of the most "dazzling holiday light displays" in the world...the WORLD!

Here are a few photos to encourage you to go...

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights, Atlanta Botanical Garden
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights
Atlanta Botanical Garden

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights, Atlanta Botanical Garden
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights, Atlanta Botanical Garden
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights
Atlanta Botanical Garden


Garden Lights, Holiday Nights, Atlanta Botanical Garden
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights
Atlanta Botanical Garden

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights, Atlanta Botanical Garden
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights
Atlanta Botanical Garden

Head over to the wanderlust ATLANTA Facebook Page to see more!



Thursday, December 6, 2012

East Lake Golf Club

Mention Bobby Jones, Chef Michael Deihl, and transforming one of the worst public housing projects into a thriving community and you're talking about East Lake Golf Club. And they offer a Clubhouse Tour on the third Sunday of each month at 3:00 p.m. Just be sure to call ahead and make a reservation.


East Lake Golf Club, Clubhouse
East Lake Golf Club, Clubhouse
Now then, while I don't claim to be an athlete, I do enjoy golfing...at least 'my' version of golfing...and no, I'm not talking about putt-putt. When I lived in D.C., I went on a couple of company golf outings. I was rather proud of myself the second year when I didn't lose a single ball to the woods or a pond!

But, those outings didn't have the historic ties that East Lake does.


East Lake Golf Club was the home course of Atlanta golf legend Bobby Jones and is the oldest golf course in Atlanta...and in Atlanta, we love our golf! Even though the Masters are held in "neighboring" Augusta, Georgia, we provide a lot of attendees and enthusiasts at the Masters, as well as at our numerous local golf courses.


Bobby is actually all over Atlanta. The Atlanta History Center has an entire museum dedicated to him, his grave site at Historic Oakland Cemetery is one of the most visited, and—little known—East Lake Golf Club memorializes Bobby in quite a wonderful way. 


And the Club has an amazing philanthropic mission...and a brilliantly successful mission at that. The East Lake Foundation is responsible for many a wonderful thing, particularly for turning one of the worst public housing projects in the country into a thriving, multi-class, education-focused community. I'm beyond impressed with their story!


What first got me interested in the Club was my friendship with Chef Michael Deihl, who is the Club's Executive Chef and the President of the Atlanta chapter of the American Culinary Federation. He's one of the nicest people you'd ever want to meet and holds very close to his heart the philanthropic mission of the Club. 


Chef Deihl was on vacation with his family when I visited the Club, a very well-deserved vacation, I might add.

Before I visited the Club as a tourist, I'd met Chef there for an interview. I was very happy to learn that tours were available. 


The tours, by the way, are self-guided, so plan for plenty of time to read placards, news articles, trophy inscriptions, and you'll definitely want to bring a camera. While you can't go out on the golf course itself, there are numerous vantage points around the Clubhouse from where you can make some nice shots.


Here's a series of photos of the Clubhouse and the Course...



East Lake Golf Club, Clubhouse
East Lake Golf Club, Clubhouse


East Lake Golf Club, "The Many Faces of Bobby Jones"
East Lake Golf Club,
"The Many Faces of Bobby Jones"


East Lake Golf Club, One of the Many Trophies
East Lake Golf Club,
One of the Many Trophies

East Lake Golf Club, Golf Course
East Lake Golf Club,
Golf Course


East Lake Golf Club, Golf Course
East Lake Golf Club,
Golf Course
You'll find more photos of East Lake Golf Club over on the wanderlust ATLANTA Facebook Page and if you have a third Sunday afternoon coming up that's unscheduled, may I recommend a tour of the East Lake Golf Club? You'll find it quite beautiful and socially impressive.

Friday, November 30, 2012

Cover: Tufted Blue

I'm totally in love with the new exhibit at the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA). With that, here's a pre-sized Facebook Cover Photo from one of the 17 vignettes at MODA's "The South's Next Wave: Design Challenge"...Vignette #6: "Darkly, Deeply, Beautiful Blue".


"Darkly, Deeply, Beautiful Blue" Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
"Darkly, Deeply, Beautiful Blue"
Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)

"Darkly, Deeply, Beautiful Blue" was created by cg creative interiors' Caryn Grossman & Chris Buxbaum and the cakes are by Lisa Humphreys of Couture Cakes. This vignette, which subtly features cakes, is a nod to a Parisian salon, with a clever inclusion of Marie Antoinette.

There's a LOT going on in this vignette...including photos and a video of performance artist "Baby Doll" who attended opening night. It's nearly like observing a Salvador Dali painting in its infinite details...you could explore for hours!

Shared in a tour by exhibition curators Tim Hobby and David Goodrowe, of Goodrowe | Hobby, the artists of this vignette started as soon as the set-up period began and worked through the meager one-week time frame to prepare for the exhibition opening.

The exhibition is indeed a "challenge"...visitors get to vote on their favorite vignette. I like so many of them, I've not yet cast my vote. I need more time to deliberate. But...don't wait too long. The winner will be announced well before the exhibition concludes, so visitors have time to check out the winner(s).

Check out my previous post of this exhibit and then add a visit to MODA to your calendar. There's no other museum like this in Atlanta and it's one of the very few in the area that's also a Smithsonian Affiliate museum.

Now, head over to the wanderlust ATLANTA Facebook Page for more of what's going on in Atlanta!

Monday, November 26, 2012

A Sigh of Acanthus Relief

When I look at artistry of something this beautiful—a Roman acanthus relief dating to the first quarter of the first Century A.D.—I count myself lucky to have such beauty readily available right here in Atlanta. 


Roman Acanthus Relief, Michael C. Carlos Museum
Roman Acanthus Relief,
Michael C. Carlos Museum
Did you know that the acanthus plant is the inspiration for Corinthian capitols?

This particular piece has a companion that was found in a church in Rome, both of Cararra marble, which was favored by Michelangelo. Friends just had Cararra marble counter tops installed in their new home and they're gorgeous, so I can imagine the splendor of this piece on the day of its unveiling. Stunning...absolutely stunning!

This, and many others like it, are on display at the Michael C. Carlos Museum (which I've blogged about on multiple occasions)...one of Atlanta's finest hidden treasures. 

Well, I've been awake since 2:30 a.m., making it an 18-hour day so far (from work, I went to a volunteer gig...just now home). Therefore, that's all I'm writing tonight. But I'll have more gorgeousness for you soon!

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights...Even Better!

Garden Lights Holiday Nights, Atlanta Botanical Garden
Garden Lights Holiday Nights,
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights was a resounding success in its 2011 inaugural year and it's poised to be even more successful this year. Already, thousands have visited the Atlanta Botanical Garden to see the expansions of the exhibition or to enjoy the magic of the lights for the first time.

The Atlanta Botanical Garden has done great things under the leadership of Executive Director Mary Pat Matheson, who we call "Mary Pat". From the 2004 Chihuly exhibition which bought record attendance, to the opening of the Hardin Visitor Center, the Edible Garden, and the Canopy Walk, we can expect to see the Garden grow and expand in great glory under Mary Pat's direction. What's coming up next year will amaze you...I promise!

Garden Lights Holiday Nights, Atlanta Botanical Garden
Garden Lights Holiday Nights,
Atlanta Botanical Garden
This year brings another half million lights radiating the Garden with a grand total of 1.5 million. And there are new color schemes—noticed and mentioned to me by a visitor recently. And there new trees with new kinds of lights. And more trees are lit and lit higher than before.

The Orchestral Orbs on the Great Lawn dance to some new music and new color configurations. The S'mores pits are back (buy your kits at the bars); the roving carolers have returned (singing beautifully!); and there are new traffic patterns to facilitate an enhanced experience of all the lights. The Giant Poinsettia Tree—made of 500 Poinsettia plants—is back with a few new plants at its base.

This year, on the 'new' list, "Lumina" has joined the Garden's cast. She's a living winter persona there to engage children (children of all ages, it turns out...I even had my photo made with her). There are new fountains in the Cascades Garden, and the Bear Family in the Orchid Center has returned with a newly adopted puppy!

Garden Lights Holiday Nights, Atlanta Botanical Garden
Garden Lights Holiday Nights,
Atlanta Botanical Garden
For the adults, the bar in the Outdoor Kitchen, in the Edible Garden, at 8:00 p.m. transforms into "Glo Bar"...and night club scene that's perfect for Date Night! 

There's a lot more to see and do at Garden Lights...you'll have to come and see for yourself. If you're on a tight budget, may I suggest attending on one of the non-peak nights (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday), but know that the exhibition is open EVERY NIGHT, holidays included, through Saturday, January 5, 2013.

Head over to the wanderlust ATLANTA Facebook Page where you'll find more photos of Garden Lights, which I'll continue to add to for the duration of the exhibition, just be sure to see it in person...photos just don't do the experience justice.

Garden Lights Holiday Nights, Atlanta Botanical Garden
Garden Lights Holiday Nights,
Atlanta Botanical Garden

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Historic Oakland Cemetery...Honoring Life

Historic Oakland Cemetery
Historic Oakland Cemetery
When you drop names like Margaret Mitchell, Bobby Jones, and Maynard Jackson in the same conversation, most Atlantans will immediately know you must be talking about Historic Oakland Cemetery, one of the most remarkable Victorian Rural Garden Cemeteries in the country.

What started as an answer to an outgrown municipal graveyard in downtown Atlanta, has grown from an original six acres to its current 48 acres. Historic Oakland Cemetery is Atlanta's oldest landmark in continuous use and is on the National Register of Historic Places.


Today, the Cemetery, established in 1850, is home to approximately 70,000 dead, including 7,000 Civil War soldiers...and Oakland still holds approximately 15 burials per year.


However, the Cemetery is touted as "much more for the living than the dead." While it—the Oakland Historic Foundation—absolutely respects the dead, its mission is "to cultivate resources to assist the City of Atlanta in the preservation, restoration and beautification of Historic Oakland Cemetery and to promote it as a local cultural resource and as an historic site of national importance."


Embracing that spirit, I've long wanted to visit Historic Oakland Cemetery, but (embarrassingly) just recently made it there. I'm so glad I did!


I had the great fortune of a friend knowing one of the tour guides, Kimberly, who gave our group of eight a captivating, detailed, and engaging walking tour of the Cemetery. The Cemetery is open to the public 365 days a year, but I highly recommend a Guided Walking Tour, at least to initially get oriented to the Cemetery for subsequent visits.


Usually, when a tour concludes, I have a mental list of about a bazillion questions I want answers to...not the case with Kimberly's tour. Our brains were saturated with names, dates, facts, factoids, and a new passion for what a Cemetery of this kind has to offer. She was brilliant!


Here are a few photos of highlights and other things I found of interest...



Historic Oakland Cemetery, Neal Monument
Historic Oakland Cemetery,
Neal Monument
If I remember correctly, the Neal Monument is one of the most photographed grave sites in the Cemetery. And a LOT of symbolism was explained, including the open book, closed book, laurel wreath, palm branch, and Celtic cross (that one being "eternal life, faith and redemption"). There truly is a lot of symbolism throughout the Cemetery...a LOT!

Historic Oakland Cemetery, The Lion of Atlanta
Historic Oakland Cemetery,
The Lion of Atlanta
A very popular Atlanta icon is "The Lion of Atlanta", a memorial erected by the Atlanta Ladies Memorial Association to honor approximately 3,000 unknown Confederate dead. Many of the Confederate graves are unmarked because the materials used to mark them have since degraded.

Of note, this monument is so popular and written about, when I blogged about the lions perched in front of the Marriott Marquis, it had taken months of research before I learned that they bear practically the same name, but in French—Les Lions d'Atlanta! And for quite a different reason.


Historic Oakland Cemetery, Golf Legend Bobby Jones
Historic Oakland Cemetery,
Golf Legend Bobby Jones
Atlanta-born, World Golf Hall of Famer, Bobby Jones was laid to rest at Historic Oakland Cemetery in 1975. His plot is a golfing green and if you look closely enough, you can see a hole that visitors use for putting to honor Jones. Fans also very often leave golf balls and other golf memorabilia at the site.


Historic Oakland Cemetery, the Jewish Section
Historic Oakland Cemetery,
the Jewish Section
For many reasons, too numerous to explain here, the Jewish section of the Cemetery is separate from the vast majority of the rest of the Cemetery. And it's stunning. There is also an earlier Jewish section, apart from the one pictured here, that more closely resembles non-Jewish grave sites. Learn more on the tour!
Historic Oakland Cemetery, Atlanta Skyline
Historic Oakland Cemetery,
Atlanta Skyline

Historic Oakland Cemetery, Atlanta Skyline
Historic Oakland Cemetery,
Atlanta Skyline

Historic Oakland Cemetery, Atlanta Skyline
Historic Oakland Cemetery,
Atlanta Skyline
I'd have to write a book to tell the tales of all there is to see in Historic Oakland Cemetery. Again, I highly recommend a Guided Walking Tour...you'll be amazed at how much you learn about Atlanta—and yes, that goes for you local tourists, too!

Head over to the wanderlust ATLANTA Facebook Page for more photos of my visit to Historic Oakland Cemetery. 


Historic Oakland Cemetery, at Sunset
Historic Oakland Cemetery,
at Sunset

Father Christmas and the Giant Poinsettia Tree

The Poinsettia Tree in the Orchid Center at the Atlanta Botanical Garden has become probably the most favored holiday season photo-making spot in the Garden.


Poinsettia Tree, Orchid Center, Atlanta Botanical Garden
Poinsettia Tree, Atlanta Botanical Garden
It also happens to be where Saint Nick, or Father Christmas, visits with excited children, parents, families, and other Garden visitors. 

Father Christmas, Saint Nick, Atlanta Botanical Garden
Father Christmas
His first 2012 visit was yesterday (as a Garden volunteer, I had the honor of helping make photos) and he's there again today and tomorrow (November 23-25, 2012) and he'll be back on Saturdays through December 15. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

As of this writing, he's busy with other holiday business during Garden Lights, Holiday Nights hours.

Photos and "what-you-want-for-Christmas" chats with Father Christmas are complimentary (with Garden admission and of course totally free for Garden members), just remember to bring your own camera. And I recommend bringing the good camera...this Father Christmas is fantastic! 

There are even visitors who bring friends who are well-versed in the art of photography to make family photos with this Father Christmas. I even heard quite a few visitors say, "Christmas Card!" after a few clicks.

There's a lot more going on at the Garden this season...too much to list here, but allow me to mention a few:
If you're a regular wanderlust ATLANTA reader, you know that the Atlanta Botanical Garden is my favorite place in the City, so I highly recommend a visit (or two or three) during the season and consider a membership, too (just look at the programming to see why!).

As a wanderlusting Atlanta tourist, I'd be remiss if I didn't encourage you to get out and explore all the wonderful attractions Atlanta has to offer during the holiday season. There are LOTS! Head over to the wanderlust ATLANTA Facebook Page where I've noted some.

Happy Holiday Season, Everyone!

Monday, November 19, 2012

Two Decades Later It Still Rings of Modernism

No, those aren't giant Legos stuck to the sides of the 47-floor AT&T Building...they'e just part of its modernism architecture. Located next door to The Fox Theatre, the skyscraper was decades ago called the Bell South Building. And I remember it well. 

How could anyone who regularly attends the Fox not know this building? And visitors will recognize it easily because of the AT&T logo jewel crowning the building. 

This photograph I made on the way to the car from a show at the Fox, not too long ago. I'd walked this path and actually take this shot before, but never got around to publishing one. I've always found this particular view rather striking. (It could almost be a Stormtrooper facility!)


AT&T Building
AT&T Building
I try to (almost) always have a camera with me...even if it's just a (high megapixel) point-and-shoot camera. 

Actually, truth be told, I think a lot would be hard pressed to tell which of the photos on wanderlust ATLANTA were shot with my little tourist camera and which with my much more expensive, high-end camera. 

Meaning, you don't have to spend a lot for great snapshots. With that said, I recommend hiring a professional for the life moments that really matter. 

There are a LOT of brilliant photographers in Atlanta. Some of my personal favorites include the talent of Nadia D. Photography. Nadia's beauty is stunning, inside and out...and her work is remarkable! Another favorite is PWP Studio. Patrick is engaging, fun, smart, and an all around great guy! And Greg and Sandra of Picture This! Photography are a super sweet couple who make beautiful photographs. 

I've had the honor of working with all of these folks and wouldn't recommend them if they weren't incredibly talented and the friendliest in the business.

Bottom line, as a tourist, it's all about serendipity! Be prepared to mitigate those moments of "I wish I'd had a camera!" Even if it's just your phone camera...snap the shot so you remember the place and can come back to it later with better equipment or another time when the lighting is optimal. 

Well...I started writing about a skyscraper and got off on photography, but I love making photos of architecture, so I'm not so far off base. Want to see more photos, head over to the wanderlust ATLANTA Facebook page

Now go shutterbugging!

Sunday, November 18, 2012

The South's Next Wave, MODA's Done It Again!

"The South's Next Wave: Design Challenge"  Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
"The South's Next Wave: Design Challenge"
"Fashion in Captivity"
Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
I asked Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) Executive Director Brenda Galina, "How are you going to top this exhibition?" With a smile on her face, she assured me that that's what they do, that's what they must do.

Brenda's determination and tenacity to put MODA on the map (which based on attendance at the MODA events I've attended, she's done) is part of what I love about her. And The South's Next Wave: Design Challenge is truly remarkable...exquisite even!

I became a MODA member on my very first visit, back before they moved to 1315 Peachtree Street, across from the High Museum of Art (previously they were in the Marriott Marquis in downtown Atlanta). That move alone is a mark of Brenda's brilliance.

I find that I not only look forward to each new exhibition, I look forward to seeing each current exhibit on multiple occasions, a practice that's been consistent since first discovering MODA.

So, The South's Next Wave: Design Challenge is truly remarkable. Here's the skinny: it's part exhibition and part challenge. The Museum is FILLED with vignettes created by Southern interior and set designers (with fashion and jewelry designers, photographers, sculptors...the list goes on).

Each vignette is a team project, mostly duos, but teams of varying number. I had the pleasure of meeting several of the artists—all nervous and excited to be presenting their work to Atlanta's culture seekers.

Here are a few of the nearly 400 photos I made on my first visit to see Next Wave...but none are of an entire vignette—those I'll leave at the Museum for you to explore on your own (you'll be glad you did!).


"The South's Next Wave: Design Challenge"  Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
"The South's Next Wave: Design Challenge"
Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
The above chandelier was created by Christopher Moulder and features "161 separately hung Habotai silk and Swarovski crystal 'spears'," titled "Barbounia"; its a kinetic piece...it moves (and sparkles) with the slightest movement.

"The South's Next Wave: Design Challenge"  Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
"The South's Next Wave: Design Challenge"
Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
This vignette, "Choreography", is remarkably harmonious, so I was surprised to learn that it was created by three different artists. I had the honor of meeting photographer Thom Baker (who turned out to be a friend of a friend) and sculptor Mike Sluder

Both were very engaging and I'm convinced are brilliant artists. We also discussed the importance of public relations with regard to success and popularity...part of the reason they were there the evening I met them. I foresee great things from these gentlemen.

"The South's Next Wave: Design Challenge"  Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
"The South's Next Wave: Design Challenge"
Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
This vignette, "Heart of Darkness", was an immediate favorite of mine...that they added dry ice for the opening night celebration didn't hurt (Who doesn't love special effects, right?). I met briefly one of the principals of this team effort. Be sure to read the profile in the brochure when you visit...some interesting information there.

"The South's Next Wave: Design Challenge"  Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
"The South's Next Wave: Design Challenge"
Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
This is another shot of "Heart of Darkness", which in-part features the artistry of handbags. They brilliantly display the bags, not in a retail fashion, but totally as art.

"The South's Next Wave: Design Challenge"  Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
"The South's Next Wave: Design Challenge"
Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
This vignette, "Darkly, Deeply, Beautiful Blue", mesmerizes one to the point that you'll very likely need to pop into your camera another memory card or end up learning that the Museum is about to close. There's a LOT going on here, but even in its sonorous blue, it's incredibly well balanced...and it's just plain fun.


"The South's Next Wave: Design Challenge"  Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
"The South's Next Wave: Design Challenge"
Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
Some of the vignettes are more simple in design but full on the artistry that went into them. This one, "Energy Required", is particularly thought-provoking. You'll see what I mean when you see the entire vignette.

"The South's Next Wave: Design Challenge"  Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
"The South's Next Wave: Design Challenge"
Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
Having lived in Europe and having visited the Faberge gallery at the Kremlin in Moscow, I've seen some stunning jewelry design. I find myself fascinated by it...especially the highly designed pieces. This vignette, "Tutti Frutti", is beautifully crafted and has lots to see!


"The South's Next Wave: Design Challenge"  Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
"The South's Next Wave: Design Challenge"
Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
I had the honor of meeting one of the two artists of this vignette: "Wicked Games: Tahiti, Return of the Black Prince's Ruby (The Diamond Jubilee Edition)". Nancy VanDevender, the artist who created the game board-inspired wall paper, was such a delightful person with whom to converse...and under that demure, unassuming personality is a brilliant artist!

"The South's Next Wave: Design Challenge"  Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
"The South's Next Wave: Design Challenge"
Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
Some of the vignettes defy description...but sometimes a photograph really does speak a thousand words. I love the imagination-launching power of this vignette, "A midsummer Night's Dream"...it was very well thought out and well executed. The story behind the design is quite heart-warming.


"The South's Next Wave: Design Challenge"  Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
"The South's Next Wave: Design Challenge"
Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
This one is "Iron Man and the Concrete Blonde". There's more to this one and it's all about imagination...enough said!


"The South's Next Wave: Design Challenge"  Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
"The South's Next Wave: Design Challenge"
Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
You can't talk about the artistry of design and not include music...that would just be wrong. While I'm more of a movie buff than a music fan—and don't get me wrong, I love music, I love concerts, I love all things music—this vignette, "Sound Lounge", really 'spoke' to me. The varying elements within are unique on their own, but together tell a powerful story.

"The South's Next Wave: Design Challenge"  Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
"The South's Next Wave: Design Challenge"
Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
Visitors to Next Wave are greeted by this beauty, "Shattered Boundaries", created by the curators of the exhibition, David Goodrowe and Tim Hobby of Goodrowe | Hobby. She's quite striking and you can't help but wonder what's on her mind...and it could go in a bazillion different directions!

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention my other buddies at MODA. Associate Director Laura Flusche and Volunteer Manager & Programming Assistant Katie Simms both make me feel so welcome every time they see me and the friends I bring to the Museum. The entire staff and the host of volunteers all are quite friendly and welcoming. 

In sharing with Brenda the other day just how much I love this museum, I thanked her for making me feel "at home" and for making me feel like a part of MODA's extended family. I have a suspicion that they make many of their members feel that way.

So...now you've seen a snippet of "The South's Next Wave: Design Challenge"...don't you want to go see the exhibition in its entirety? Remember, there's lots of programming coupled with every exhibition, so "Like" MODA on Facebook and sign up for email announcements so you're sure not to miss something you'd love to attend.

After you have MODA on your calendar, hop over to the wanderlust Atlanta Facebook Page and have a look around. There's so much to see and do in Atlanta!

Thanks for stopping by!