As America emerged into the 20th century, a combination of forward-looking vision in design and architecture, and yet a desire to embrace its past successes, created an unstoppable force in the creative personalities and movements that defined American design. This course will focus on the popular styles and design influences from the Arts and Crafts, Art Deco, Romantic Revivals, Mid-Century Modern, Postmodern, and Contemporary eras. The extraordinary influence of designers and craftsmen such as Charles and Henry Greene, Gustav Stickley, Frank Lloyd Wright, Donald Deskey, Charles and Ray Eames, John Lautner, George Nakashima, Paul Williams, Frank Gehry, and many others will be discussed, as well the social and political influences upon their designs. The course will include discussion of the various furniture styles in relation to their interior settings, including construction techniques and materials. Part 1 registration is not required to attend Part 2.
Week 1: Arts and Crafts Era
Week 2: Art Deco Era
Week 3: Romantic Revivals Era
Week 4: Mid-Century Modern Era
Week 5: Postmodern Era
Week 6: Contemporary Era
Eleanor Schrader, M.A., is an award-winning educator, lecturer, and author. She lectures worldwide on art and architectural history, and leads art and architecture tours throughout the world. She has been named a Distinguished Instructor at UCLA Extension, where she teaches history of architecture, interior design, furniture, and decorative arts. She is also Professor Emeritus of Art and Architectural History at Santa Monica College. She has done graduate work in fine and decorative arts at Sotheby's Institute in London and New York. She has served as a Design Review Commissioner for the City of Beverly Hills and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the John Lautner Foundation.
Fifty and Better was designed to offer university-level courses and lectures (no tests, no homework) taught by experts in the field, and to host social engagement activities for individuals age 50 and older.
