Dominic Willsdon announced on Wednesday that he is stepping down from his position as executive director of the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) at Virginia Commonwealth University.

“I have accepted a position as executive director of an international film organization based in Los Angeles,” the art curator and educator revealed in a letter emailed to supporters. The details of that new position will be revealed on Dec. 4, he added. He will remain at the ICA until January.

Willsdon, a native of the United Kingdom who received a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Essex, assumed his role at the modern art museum, as well as his position as associate professor of art history at the university, in late 2018. He had formerly been curator of education and public practice at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and, among other positions, served as curator of public programs at the Tate Modern from 2000-2005.

“Over its first five years, the ICA has become a portal to a world of new art and ideas for a diverse, rising generation of Richmonders and VCU students,” he wrote in his letter. “It is hard to leave the ICA and Richmond at this time. I have learned more about culture and society over these five years than at any equivalent period of my life. This experience has shaped me deeply.”

Willsdon took the helm from interim ICA director Joe Seipel, VCU School of the Arts’ dean emeritus, after original founding ICA director Lisa Freiman stepped down three months before the museum’s April 2018 opening. During his five-year tenure, Willsdon oversaw a heady, challenging mix of modern art, particularly from African and Latin American artists.

Under his leadership, the Institute was named one of the top 10 new museums in America by USA Today, and The New York Times, Smithsonian Magazine and ArtNet, among others, praised its often edgy exhibits and installations. In June, Willsdon announced that the ICA would bestow an annual $40,000 arts award starting next year, the Common Prize for Art and Education, made possible by a $500,000 gift from Richmond arts supporter Pamela Kiecker Royall.

“VCUarts is beginning the process of identifying an interim executive director and will announce that appointment in the coming weeks,” says Michael R. Porter, associate vice president for public relations at VCU. “The school will also be conducting an international search for the next permanent executive director.”

Willsdon did not respond to inquiries for further comment.

The post Transferring On | Arts and Tradition | Model Weekly appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

Patient zero for a Hot Knit Spring

Nota bene: If you buy through the links in this article, we may earn a small share of the profits.

There’s just something about Tom Holland. Perhaps it’s his dashing good looks. Maybe it’s his surprisingly legit acting chops as the newest occupant of the wall-crawling web-head (that’s canonical, look it up) mantle. It could be his guileless, waifish charm — aggravated, no doubt, by the orphaned chimney sweep accent — but we’re inclined to think it has something to do with his sartorial sensibilities, too.

Xavi Torrent/Getty Images

Fresh off Sony’s billion-dollar Spider Man: No Way Home success, the brit is making waves with his proclivity for wearing just the right thing: an Oscar-worthy suit here, a Prada campaign there. His most recent look is as clear an indication as any that Peter … er, Tom is in the running for a spot in the holy triumvirate of twenty-something heartthrobs (Timmy, Tommy and Hazza has a nice ring to it, no?).

Photographed at the Barcelona premiere of Uncharted, the leading man’s newest action blockbuster costarring a perfectly-platonic Mark Wahlberg, Holland’s get-up is as concrete an indication as any that young Tom is a cinematic force. And much more importantly, it’s a really easy spring style move to replicate.

Left to right: The Elder Statesman Ribbed Stripped Cashmere Sweater ($,1395), COS Open Collar L/S Polo Sweater ($125)

Mr. Porter/COS

Just what makes the red carpet look, designed entirely by countryman Paul Smith, ‘fit so good? As we’ve discussed, It doesn’t hurt that the outspoken short king is a certified cutie (Zendaya is never wrong). But the look itself hits all the criteria for perfected spring causals. Most importantly, the sweater — nay, jumper — is relaxed, roomy and loud, with on-trend ink-spilled intrigue that remains firmly on the luxury designer side of the runway-to-Phish merch continuum. You heard it here first; spring 2022 is all about voicey knits. They don’t have to be especially avant-garde, although those are pretty cool, but there’s one for practically every budget, big or small.

Likewise, the modern cut and complementary tonal trousers ensure the get-up reads cohesive and interesting, while remaining business-appropriate. The leather brogues provide the prerequisite (pardon the pun) laced-up touch for a movie premiere, and an excellent watch is really just a cherry on top.

The red-carpet ‘do is just what we want to see for spring; relaxed and causal silhouettes in anything-but-boring colors, textures and fits. And all of it could be yours, sans tousled hair and boyish magnetism. Because as Tom is demonstrating to great effect, a good sweater makes for a great outfit, especially when paired up nicely with some office-ready slacks and shoes. Find the amazing Tom Holland’s kit below.

Steal Tom Holland’s Look:

Paul Smith

Paul Smith “Ink Spill” Wool-Mohair Sweater

Paul Smith

Paul Smith Stretch-Wool Drawstring-Waist Trousers

Paul Smith

Paul Smith Leather ‘Collins’ Brogues

Nordstrom

Longines 42 mm Spirit Automatic Bracelet Watch

More Like This

We’ve put in the work researching, reviewing and rounding up all the shirts, jackets, shoes and accessories you’ll need this season, whether it’s for yourself or for gifting purposes. Sign up here for weekly style inspo direct to your inbox.

The post Tom Holland’s Crimson-Carpet Informal Is Your New Spring Type Inspo appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

Patient zero for a Hot Knit Spring

Nota bene: If you buy through the links in this article, we may earn a small share of the profits.

There’s just something about Tom Holland. Perhaps it’s his dashing good looks. Maybe it’s his surprisingly legit acting chops as the newest occupant of the wall-crawling web-head (that’s canonical, look it up) mantle. It could be his guileless, waifish charm — aggravated, no doubt, by the orphaned chimney sweep accent — but we’re inclined to think it has something to do with his sartorial sensibilities, too.

Xavi Torrent/Getty Images

Fresh off Sony’s billion-dollar Spider Man: No Way Home success, the brit is making waves with his proclivity for wearing just the right thing: an Oscar-worthy suit here, a Prada campaign there. His most recent look is as clear an indication as any that Peter … er, Tom is in the running for a spot in the holy triumvirate of twenty-something heartthrobs (Timmy, Tommy and Hazza has a nice ring to it, no?).

Photographed at the Barcelona premiere of Uncharted, the leading man’s newest action blockbuster costarring a perfectly-platonic Mark Wahlberg, Holland’s get-up is as concrete an indication as any that young Tom is a cinematic force. And much more importantly, it’s a really easy spring style move to replicate.

Left to right: The Elder Statesman Ribbed Stripped Cashmere Sweater ($,1395), COS Open Collar L/S Polo Sweater ($125)

Mr. Porter/COS

Just what makes the red carpet look, designed entirely by countryman Paul Smith, ‘fit so good? As we’ve discussed, It doesn’t hurt that the outspoken short king is a certified cutie (Zendaya is never wrong). But the look itself hits all the criteria for perfected spring causals. Most importantly, the sweater — nay, jumper — is relaxed, roomy and loud, with on-trend ink-spilled intrigue that remains firmly on the luxury designer side of the runway-to-Phish merch continuum. You heard it here first; spring 2022 is all about voicey knits. They don’t have to be especially avant-garde, although those are pretty cool, but there’s one for practically every budget, big or small.

Likewise, the modern cut and complementary tonal trousers ensure the get-up reads cohesive and interesting, while remaining business-appropriate. The leather brogues provide the prerequisite (pardon the pun) laced-up touch for a movie premiere, and an excellent watch is really just a cherry on top.

The red-carpet ‘do is just what we want to see for spring; relaxed and causal silhouettes in anything-but-boring colors, textures and fits. And all of it could be yours, sans tousled hair and boyish magnetism. Because as Tom is demonstrating to great effect, a good sweater makes for a great outfit, especially when paired up nicely with some office-ready slacks and shoes. Find the amazing Tom Holland’s kit below.

Steal Tom Holland’s Look:

Paul Smith

Paul Smith “Ink Spill” Wool-Mohair Sweater

Paul Smith

Paul Smith Stretch-Wool Drawstring-Waist Trousers

Paul Smith

Paul Smith Leather ‘Collins’ Brogues

Nordstrom

Longines 42 mm Spirit Automatic Bracelet Watch

We’ve put in the work researching, reviewing and rounding up all the shirts, jackets, shoes and accessories you’ll need this season, whether it’s for yourself or for gifting purposes. Sign up here for weekly style inspo direct to your inbox.

The post Tom Holland’s Pink-Carpet Informal Is Your New Spring Type Inspo appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

LENOX, Massachusetts – A curator who specializes in historical decoration, Lisa Singleton Boudiette, will present her talk on “Colfax & Fowler, Legendary Designers of the English Country House Style.”

She will make her visual presentation on Zoom, offered by the Ventfort Hall Mansion & Gilded Age Museum on Friday March 12th at 11:00 AM as part of the Morning Diversions series.

According to a press release, three key personalities were the first to shape the history of Colfax & Fowler and the direction the company took. John Fowler was a self-taught decorator fascinated by 18th century architecture and styles who began his career in the early 1930s. He joined Sibyl Colfax in 1938, whose business was in Mayfair, London. Nancy Lancaster was an aristocratic Virginian with important international social connections who became Fowler’s partner when she bought Lady Colfax’s company in 1944.

The English country house style emerged after the Second World War, in a world that was still characterized by two world wars and the austerity measures that followed. Chintz in faded colors, fringed and tasseled curtains, painted Regency furniture, sofas designed for years of fireplace comfort, and expertly applied surfaces that are subtly lit to show off beautiful antiques and paintings – these are the hallmarks – something Fowler called “modest elegance” “.

Colfax & Fowler has influenced some of the leading design firms such as Michael Smith, David Mlinaric, Bunny Williams and the late Mario Buatta.

Boudiette’s talk will include the homes of Nancy Lancaster and John Fowler. From Buckingham Palace to the London apartment of Ambassador David and Evangeline Bruce.

Lisa Singleton Boudiette is a heritage specialist with expertise in historical interiors and decorative arts. She is a former employee of the late US Senator Frank R. Lautenberg with a focus on art and conservation policy. She also worked for The Wiseman Group, a high-end home design company in San Francisco, California.

As an alumni of the Attingham Country House Studies Program and a founding member of the American Friends of the Soane Museum, Boudiette is a founder of the Institute for Classical Architecture and Art in San Francisco, California. She is currently completing a master’s degree at the University of Buckingham (England), which, among other things, worked as a conservation assistant at Syon House for the Duke of Northumberland.

The event is offered exclusively via Zoom. Tickets are available for a donation with a recommended donation of $ 20 and can be purchased at https://ventfort03122021.eventbrite.com. Call Ventfort Hall at 413-637-3206 for information.

Tags: design,

The post Ventfort Corridor: Colfax And Fowler, Legendary Designers of the English Nation Home Type / iBerkshires.com appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

Isit in my office shed while the squirrel in front of me eats the last of the summer tomatoes. He’s sitting on the other side of the glass in the corner of the raised bed, with an expression on his face that says, I thought you wanted to see this.

Beyond the squirrel, a man in a hard hat uses a chainsaw to cut up a linden tree in the alley along the garden wall. In between cuts, my wife yells at him that maybe he could come over to see a tree on our side of the wall.

It is the last corner of the year, a traditional time to get in the mood for the coming winter. This year I gave myself a full 30 days to inspect the summer damage: The rail with which the trash can slide into its trough is locked; the window in the garden door, which had cracked its entire length after slamming in a strong wind; the toilet flush valve on the first floor – pissed off again.

When the 30 days passed, I performed a messy operation on the trash can’s sliding drawer, and for the second time this year, I replaced the toilet’s broken mechanism. It is clear that a more permanent solution is needed. On the flip side, buying a £ 28 flush valve unit annually may be a luxury I can afford.

An hour later the tree man comes by to talk about our cherry tree. I leave my office and wave.

“If I could, I would just reduce it,” says my wife. “But he won’t let me.”

“You would miss it if it was gone,” I say.

“No, I wouldn’t,” she says in a tone that suggests that there are many things she wouldn’t miss.

The tree man offers a third way to save marriage – crowning the tree to reduce its height, let in more light, and maintain its overall shape. But he can’t do it until December.

“December?” says my wife. “I want it to be ready now so I don’t have to rake leaves.”

“We’re very busy,” says the tree man. In fact, they have never been this busy – with the possibility of a second lockdown, people rush to put their immediate surroundings in order.

“He doesn’t,” says my wife, pointing at me again.

“Toilet,” I say, holding up a thumbs up, followed by an index finger. “Container.”

“It’s been like this since the summer,” says the tree man.

“I know,” I say. “Try to get a chimney sweep to call you back.”

“I can imagine that,” says the tree man.

“Imagine you’re not trying so hard,” says my wife.

The truth is, I’m a little scared of chimney sweeps. The whole profession seems to me to be anchored in old superstitions. Their websites boast the latest in imaging equipment, but among the services listed you can often find “Weddings for good luck.” Half in the shade, half in the light.

The last chimney sweep to come into the house was recommended by the wood stove installer. I asked him to sweep a second chimney in the kitchen where the previous owner had installed a much smaller stove.

“We don’t really use it,” I said, “just in case.”

“I’m not going anywhere near it,” he said, looking down.

“Why?” I said. “Is it cursed?”

He didn’t answer. In fact, he cleaned the other chimney and left without saying a word.

Chimney sweep websites also have a magical way of making them appear nearby – “Local Acton Sweep” – even though their mailing address is actually in Kent.

“So far I have only received a brief answer,” I tell my wife that evening. “From a man who said I wasn’t around and recommended someone to join me.”

“Yes?” says my wife.

“A sweep that, like the others, rejects any attempt at contact,” I say.

“It’s her busy time,” she says.

“They all shine in the wedding pictures, but there is something very dark at work here.”

“You’re just trying to make me do it, aren’t you?” She says.

“Of course,” I say. “I don’t even want to be here when they come.”

The post Tim Dowling: I am dealing with my fears and reserving a chimney sweep | Life and elegance appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

Mission Rock Development in San Francisco has been under construction since last year, and prefabrication is an important part of building the project. The 28-acre mixed-use development, valued at $ 2.5 billion, is a public-private partnership between the Port of San Francisco, the San Francisco Giants and commercial real estate company Tishman Speyer.

Prefabricated building systems company Clark Pacific worked with owners and design firms like Henning Larsen, MVRDV, Studio Gang, and WORKac to come up with a prefabricated solution that also matched the aesthetics of the project, adding natural and iconic Californian scenes to the exterior.

Permission granted by the Port of San Francisco

Clark Pacific carried out the design work for free, with an agreement that the prefabrication contract would be awarded if the project’s design goals and budget can be met. It has since been awarded the project.

When Mission Rock is fully built in 2026 and is on the San Francisco waterfront and a bridge from the Giants’ Oracle Park, it will be up to 2.8 million square feet and include:

• 1,200 residential units, 40% of which will be affordable.
• Improvements in public access to the water.
• Resilience against a 66-inch sea level rise and adjustment features.
• 8 hectares of new parks and open spaces.
• Up to 1.4 million square meters of office space.
• More than 200,000 square meters of retail and manufacturing space.
• Refurbishment of the historic pier 48.

For example, elevated loading ramps have been designed so that they can be used as pedestrian paths when the water level rises.

Jim Lewis, director of sales at Clark Pacific, said the early collaboration style between the prefabrication team and the Mission Rock team was similar to the way the company operates at Apple’s “Spaceship” headquarters in Cupertino, California, and was necessary to a design to reach. Prefab house balance.

The challenge is to make these projects constructible and still aesthetically pleasing to the customer. A large team of engineers and designers plays a key role.

“We have integrators in various disciplines within Clark Pacific,” he said.

As part of this collaboration, Lewis said, the customer starts with a list of must-haves and then the team goes from there.

“And then we do a deep dive internally,” he said, “to see if we can change materials, change thicknesses, change a little detail, change the window profile … and then we work on it.”

Efficient and beautiful

Using prefabricated houses on such high profile projects should help expose the misconception that prefabricated houses are always useful, according to Lewis.

“It’s totally changing,” he said. “You can do iconic architecture and have it pre-fabricated. You just have to start early.”

The COVID-19 pandemic naturally presented a challenge to the process as many of the typical face-to-face presentations and meetings were virtual, he said. The gatherings, which were held in person, had to be carefully planned to comply with social distancing and other safety guidelines.

But when it comes to protecting against COVID-19, prefabrication also offers some advantages. If a significant portion of a project is prefabricated off-site, fewer on-site craftsmen are required.

Often, Lewis said, there is little control over who goes in and out of a project site. This is easier to control in a prefabricated “production bubble”.

“It’s a game changer,” he said.

The post $2.5B Mission Rock in San Francisco will get fashion, effectivity from prefab building appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.