5 design things to do this week

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This week, you can: party for traffic safety in West Adams; admire a 90-year-old quilter’s amazing creations; discuss how women in architecture and design are shaping LA’s future; listen to stories from your favorite podcast stars; and shop locally at pop-up markets all over town.

How can design and community outreach work hand-in-hand to create safer streets? (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)

1 ) X-ing on Adams: Vision Zero Community Event

Whoever thought traffic safety planning could involve a party?

As part of Mayor Garcetti’s “Vision Zero” initiative to eliminate traffic deaths by 2025, a week-long series of community traffic safety events, is being held along West Adams Blvd. between Fairfax and La Brea, culminating with a party at Club Fais Do Do.  Traffic safety awareness projects include physical design interventions at the locations of past traffic collisions, community surveys about the neighborhood identity, and educational programming with local students. At the end of the week, party attendees will have the chance to learn more about the project, speak with LADOT staff members about Vision Zero, and review and give feedback about the future of the neighborhood.  Enjoy great music and food while being a part of the solution.

When: Friday, May 12, 5 – 8 pm

Where: Club Fais Do Do, 5257 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA  90016

Tickets: Free and open to the public

While on the subject of community planning, note that de Lab has extended the deadline for proposals to Make LA Together. Pitch  your concept for a solution to an LA challenge relating to water, density, transportation or community, by Wednesday, May 10.

Vibrant colors, impeccable craft, and exquisite hand sewn detail distinguish Ruby Nishio’s work. (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)

2 ) Ruby Nishio Quilts

Some people describe life itself as a quilted patchwork of experiences.  At 90, Ruby Nishio has plenty of life to patch together, and she does this with extraordinary detail and beauty.  Nishio’s hand-quilted designs reflect her personal interests and history, as well as what she sees in the world around her.  The results are vibrant narratives meticulously stitched into unique works of art.

When: Saturday, May 13, 7 – 10 pm

Where: Future Studio Gallery, 5558 N Figueroa St Los Angeles, CA 90042. There is metered street parking and a city lot behind the gallery.

Tickets: Free and open to the public. More information here.

AWA + D is celebrating 95 years of supporting women in architecture and design, with a focus on designing the future of Los Angeles. (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)

3 ) AWA+D 2017 Symposium: IMAGINING LA

As part of their 95th anniversary celebration, the Association for Women in Architecture and Design will be holding this symposium to draw inspiration from the women who have helped imagine and shape the future of Los Angeles.  Panelists include a selection of Los Angeles’s most innovative practitioners across the fields of urban planning, housing, education, transportation and policy, including Gail Goldberg, Executive Director of ULI Los Angeles and former Director of Los Angeles City Planning Department; Andra Hoffman, Los Angeles Community College District Trustee and California Community College Trustees board member; Ellen Wright, Director of Terminal Planning at Los Angeles World Airports; Denice Wint, Senior Project Manager, Innovative Housing Opportunities; and Dora Epstein Jones (Moderator), Executive Director of A+D Museum.

When: Saturday, May 13, 10 am – 2 pm

Where:  Woman’s Club of Hollywood, 1749 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

Tickets: Students: $40+, Non-Students $75+.  Get tickets and register here.

4) Radiotopia Live

Podcasts are things you generally consume alone, perhaps while driving, working out or making things in the studio. So how cool that we get to see our favorite podcast hosts in real life, and enjoy the experience with other radio nerds! Radiotopia Live‘s first West Coast tour features live conversations, stories and music from select Radiotopia podcasts including: 99% Invisible with a never-before heard story by Katie Mingle, as well as Criminal, The Allusionist, The Memory Palace and Mortified. Plus a performance of The West Wing Weekly featuring composer Snuffy Walden.

When: Friday, May 12, 8 pm

Where: The Theatre at Ace Hotel, 929 South Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Tickets: $29 – $37.  Get tickets here.

Finale Party at Marc Phillips at the La Cienega Design Quarter (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)

5) Design Markets and Craft Fairs

La Cienega Design Quarter (LCDQ) is back with its annual three-day mix of keynotes, panel discussions, open houses, trunk shows, cocktail parties, exhibitions, author events, special appearances and more.  Browse unique design shops while sipping cocktails and mingling with designers, magazine editors and taste-makers.  Professional designers and ‘volunteer’ designers alike will love showroom hopping and window shopping amidst the 60+ displays featuring this years’ theme of heritage and diversity in home design.

When: Tuesday-Thursday, May 9-11

Where: La Cienega Design Quarter (LCDQ), La Cienega Blvd. and Melrose Ave.

Tickets: $75 for access to all events.   Parking and shuttle included.  Registration for specific events is required.  Tickets and registration here.

Also, while you’re in the neighborhood, catch it before it’s gone: FURTH YASHAR & __________, showcasing 21st century collectible design, with the aim of dissolving the polarizing labels between functional and nonfunctional, fine and decorative, and starting a conversation of how design is a meaningful component of identity.  Closing May 12.  PACIFIC DESIGN CENTER
SUITE B260, 8687 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069.

The Echo Park Craft Fair showcases and nurtures the talented artisans, designers and craftspeople that live in this inspired eastside neighborhood . Originally held in a backyard, this eclectic shopping mart has grown into a popular bi-annual arts and design event, now held at the historic 5,000-square-foot Mark Sennett Studios in Silverlake, CA.

When: Saturday and Sunday, May 13-14, 10 am – 6 pm

Where: Mark Sennett Studios, 1215 Bates Avenue, Los Angeles, 90029

Tickets: $10 and up.  Get tickets here.

The Unique L.A. Spring Market (DTLA) helps entrepreneurs, designers and artists grow their businesses, while helping the public discover and support local small business/art/design.  Meet the owners and creators, and shop amidst a lively ambiance of DJ sets, complimentary drinks, DIY projects, photobooth fun, lounges, a kids play area and more.  By supporting your local businesses, you are also directly supporting your community.

When: Saturday and Sunday, May 13-14, 11 am – 6 pm

Where: California Market Center, 13th floor, 110 East Ninth St., Los Angeles, CA 90079

Tickets: $15.  Get tickets here.