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Festival Celebrates Architecture and Design in Modesto
by: Barrett Lipomi
It is September, and that means kids are back to school, fall is around the corner, and oh yes, the award winning architecture festival is back! The 9th annual Modesto Architecture Festival kicks off this month with 4 days and 30 opportunities to experience architecture in Modesto! The festival takes place from September 15-18th with the main events happening in downtown Modesto. Featured events this year include an Opening Reception, Architecture Film Night, Family Architecture Experience, and Architectural Tours. All events are free and open to the public.
The Modesto Architecture Festival is a great time to get out and enjoy our wonderful architecture, landscapes and neighborhoods. The Modesto Art Museum has developed three self-guided architecture tours including walking, biking, and driving tours that highlight the amazing and rich architectural heritage in Modesto. No matter if you are new to Modesto or have lived here for decades, taking these tours will be an enjoyable and eye-opening experience. This year there will also be a 90-minute guided walking tour through Modesto’s Design District. The tour features fantastic mid-century buildings in downtown and will end at the historic former downtown post office where participants will have a rare opportunity to tour the building, including the secret passageways inside.
One of my favorite events has always been Architecture Film Night at The State Theatre. This evening features an exciting and fun collection of short-films celebrating world architecture, landscape and urban design. The audience gets a chance to vote for their most favorite film. This year the festival will welcome a special guest for this event, landscape architect and author Kelly Comras. Kelly will be introducing the film on mid-century landscape architect Ruth Shellhorn, who is also the subject of Kelly’s book which highlights the celebrated nearly sixty-year career of Shellhorn. A reception will precede the program at 6:30pm with films starting at 7:30pm.
The Family Architecture Experience and Kid’s Workshop has grown to become one of the most popular events of the weekend. Taking place on Saturday, September 17th outside of the Stanislaus County Library main branch at 1500 I Street, this event features crafts, games, and activities for children of all ages!
The 2016 Modesto Architecture Festival will start on Thursday, September 15th with a reception at the Downtown Tinker Tank located at 1003 12th street during the Third Thursday Artwalk. Come down and enjoy some light refreshments, architecture films, and exhibits in this wonderful space.
The festival is co-hosted by the Modesto Art Museum and American Institute of Architects, Sierra Valley Chapter.
There are too many events to list here, but below are some highlights. You can view a full schedule of events on the festival website: www.modestoarchfest.com
Event Highlights:
Opening Night Reception
Thursday, September 15th 6-9pm
Downtown Tinker Tank, 1003 12th Street, Modesto
Architecture Film Night
Friday, September 16th, 6:30 reception, 7:30 films
The State Theatre, 1307 J Street, Modesto
Family Architecture Experience / Kid’s Workshop
Saturday, September 17th, 9:30am-2pm
Stanislaus County Library – Main Branch, 1500 I Street Modesto
Guided Tour: Downtown Modesto Design District
Saturday, September 17th, 10am,
Tour starts at 10th and J streets (outside Subway) and will last appx. 90 min.
