May 2013

a2modern presents "Threads" an evening with Steve Frykholm and Clark Malcolm of Herman Miller, Inc.

a2modern is pleased to partner with Susan Monroe owner of Three Chairs, Co., and Steve Frykholm and Clark Malcolm of Herman Miller, Inc., in a presentation of “Threads.”

Threads is the story of Herman Miller’s history of design, openness to new ideas and people, and respect for individuals. Steve Frykholm, graphic designer, and Clark Malcolm, writer, with a combined 72 years at the company, tell the stories of the people, products, and events behind 107-year-old Herman Miller, Inc. Woven together, the many threads of this history tell the story of how Herman Miller has become what it is today and the origins of the values and culture that will sustain it in years to come. Threads is an interactive presentation; the audience chooses the topics to be discussed. Threads includes images, video clips, and audio segments from Herman Miller’s long history of design and innovation.

Thursday, June 6th, 2013
6:30 p.m. Reception
7:15 p.m. Threads Interactive Presentation

Location: Three Chairs Co., 215 S Ashley St Ann Arbor, MI 48104

This event is free however donations to a2modern are appreciated to help defray expenses and for future programs! Note: Three Chairs Co. is an authorized Herman Miller retailer. It just so happens that this event will occur during the Herman Miller annual sale so all Herman Miller will be 15% off!

RSVP, as limited seats are available modernists@a2modern.org

Special thanks to: Morgan & York Fine Wines and Specialty Goods for their generous contribution to the event.

Ann Arbor City Club Tour Features Metcalf's Crane House-June 2nd

Ann Arbor City Club Tour
Sunday, June 2, 2013
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

This year’s tour features Robert C. Metcalf’s first commission “H. Richard and Florence Crane” (1954) home at 830 Avon Road which is now owned by Jim and Linda Elert.

Significance of home:
The original homeowner, Dr. Richard H. Crane, was one of the most distinguished experimental physicists of the 20th century. Dr. Crane’s early work on nuclear physics and the physics of accelerators culminated in the invention of the race track synchrotron, a design emulated by almost every particle accelerator since 1950. His pioneering measurements on the gyro-magnetic ratio of the free electron are a cornerstone of quantum electrodynamics. During World War II, Crane worked as a research associate on radar at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and as a physicist on the proximity fuse at the Carnegie Institution of Washington. He served as the director of proximity fuse research at U-M and as director of the atomic research project for the Manhattan District.

The architect of this home, Robert C. Metcalf, is in an own right one of the leaders in architectural modernism in southeast Michigan. The Crane house was Bob’s first commission after apprenticing under George B. Brigham from 1948 to 1952. At the same time he was designing the Crane house, Bob was also building his own home with his wife Bettie. Bob would go on to design over 40 residential structures in Ann Arbor for prominent business, research scientists and academic leaders in the Ann Arbor and Detroit areas.

See City Club flyer for details on obtaining tickets for the tour!

Also, see annarbor.com article posted June 1, 2013.