LA Trip Post #2 ; Funky Junk Farms

I mentioned in my previous post about the amazing party I attended while in LA. I have to say this was probably the most interesting party I've ever attended. I don't quite know why the party was so amazing to me, maybe I secretly want a vintage camper more than I thought. I heard that we would be attending a party at an old Trout farm that was owned by an artist couple who just happened to have a serious addiction to vintage campers. I was a little apprehensive at first, all doubt were erased as soon as we entered through a gate and onto what could only be described as a folk art paradise. Rounding the corner into the trailer park was quite the experience. Just a list of objects in attendance sets the tone. Around 100 people, chef preparing soft tacos for guest, yard beer, many many fire pits, a barrista and large espresso maker, several vintage campers, a dance shack. I was amazed at the collection of folk art and sculpture scattered throughout the park, it was an eclectic mix and one I wish I was talented enough to gather.A few shots from the lens of Bob Greenspan.

Trip to LA

I just got back from an exciting trip to LA. I went with a friend and checked out the annual MAK Center's annual homes tour. A few stops at roadside diners and a party among vintage trailers rounded out the trip. I would call it a modern architecture crash course sprinkled with some gravy. I'll be posting several exciting things about the trip in the following days. But first up is a few pics.

Eames Lounge Chair _ Complete.

I got the Eames chair put together for the tour. The cushions from Hume Modern are excellent and it feels just like a new chair. I spent many hours with 0000 steel wool and teak oil refinishing the old rosewood. Its amazing how many stains, paint splatters, and scratches that process removes. Here is a pic of the condition before the refinish, the wood was really dry and light along with several blemishes.
In typical fashion once it got crunch time to finish things up for the homes tour I forgot to take pictures. So no process pics on this post. Here are some shots of the chair assembled, and yes it is as comfortable as it looks.

Homes Tour Wrap Up.

The KCModern Runnells homes tour was a big success this past weekend. We had right around 100 people come through the house on Sunday. We worked right up to the wire but we finished everything on the list. I got a set of chairs built for John and Sam, the Eames Lounge Chair was refinished and assembled, and to top it all of we filled the smoker and cooked a ton of food for KC Modern crew to wind down with after the tour. We met a ton of great people and had a good time. The only room we did any work to prepare was the office, I'll get a pick up of our newest furniture additions once I find the tripod.

Jens Risom Lounge Chair Redo

Some time ago I picked up a Jens Risom Lounge Chair from a buddy in trade for some tools and some lumber. Not to long after I picked up the chair, Design Within Reach decided to partner with Jens Risom and reissue this classic chair originally designed in 1949 for the Caribe Hilton Hotel in Puerto Rico. The chair needed reupholstered and a good amount of teak oil to bring it back to life. Its amazing what several coats of teak oil and some 0000 steel wool will do to some Walnut. We had the cushions redone by Rowzee Upholstery in Maharam's Eames Small Dot fabric. I'm thrilled with the way the chair turned out. Stay tuned for more progress as we get prepared for the homes tour this weekend.

Gluttony

For those of you who know me you know that I share a great fondness for a good beer, probably too fond. Following close behind is my love for great BBQ. I've been watching craigslist for a while now looking for a smoker upgrade for the patio. My other smoker was not scaled to provide adequate poundage for most of our parties. My most recent craigslist score was an Oklahoma Joe's offset smoker, lets just say its big enough that it took three of us to roll it out of the truck. It needs some work and this winter I plan on giving it some upgrades, its just not custom enough for our taste. So for the next few weeks if you see me and think somethings a little off don't worry its just the meat coma.

Runnells Homes Tour

Our house will be on tour September 20th for those who would like to come see it.

KCMODERN presents:

When Mid-Century Modern was GREEN

David B. Runnells Climate-Wise Home Tour & Patio Party
Saturday, September 19, 2009, 7:00-9:00 PM
200 W. 94th Street & Wornall Rd., Kansas City, Missouri

Park at the Temple at 9400 Wornall and cross street to 94th.

Meet other Modern enthusiasts and experience a unique

Mid-Century Modern “Country Home” designed by David B.

Runnells to be sustainable in 1950. Enjoy campfire food and

yard beer at this special “recession proof” KCMODERN

event. Limited advance reservations are available for $10

per person until Thursday, September 17^th. A separate ticket

is required for the Sunday tour.

Cranbrook To Kansas City

David B. Runnells Mid-Century Modern Homes Tour

Sunday, September 20, 2009, 2:00-5:00 PM

This tour will require driving to multiple homes so start early.

Start at 7300 Roe Circle, Prairie Village, Kansas.

Park at Baptist Church at 75^th & Roe, walk north to Roe Circle.

Or start at 2400 W. 86th Terr. & Lee Blvd. Leawood, Kansas.

There will be limited parking on 86^th Terr. Cul-de-sac.

See at least 8 cool examples of Mid-Century Modern

homes designed by Architect, David Benton Runnells.

Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 the day of the tour.
Limited tickets will be sold at the event registration tables

on a first come first served basis, so buy your tickets now!

Order Your Tickets Today

Make your checks payable to KCMODERN and send payment

to KCMODERN, 5301 W. 66th Terrace, Prairie Village, KS 66208.

All advanced tickets to be picked up the day of the events at the

registration table. We will tour the homes regardless of weather.

More info at 913.262.5056 or www.KCMODERN.blogspot.com

We are posting information about the Tour and Architect, David B.

Runnells almost every day over at our blog so be sure to visit

www.kcmodern.blogspot.com.

KCMODERN raises awareness and promotes preservation of

Modern Architecture and Design. Proceeds from this event will

fund future KCMODERN events and modern activities.