Some like it mod

Fans of modernist architecture will have a rare chance to peek inside eight mid-century homes on Oct. 6 when the Minnesota chapter of Docomomo hosts its tour day. The homes on the tour were all designed by noteworthy architects and built between 1941 and 1960, at the height of the modern movement.

Tourgoers will have access to all eight home interiors, with docents on hand to share insights. Tickets include a map with each home's location, so that tourgoers can start at any home along the route.

The tour is divided into a morning and afternoon segment. In the morning, from 10 a.m. to noon, tourgoers will have access to three modernist homes designed by architectural innovator Robert Cerny, best known for designing the Weyerhaeuser Memorial Chapel at Macalester College and Rapson Hall and Moos Tower on the University of Minnesota campus.

The walkable afternoon tour, 1-3:30 p.m., includes five homes in the West Cedar area of Minneapolis. These homes include architectural works by William F. Rafferty, Richard Babcock and Graffunder & Nagle.

The tour will be followed by an after-party at 3:30 p.m. at one of the homes, 3531 Basswood Road, Minneapolis.

Reservations are requested at 2012modern homestour.eventbrite.com. Ticket prices are $30 ($20 for Docomomo members), $15 for students. Tickets also can be purchased the day of the tour at any of the locations. For more information, visit www.docomo-us-mn.org.

 

New options in lighting

Want to see your space in a new light? 3M Architectural Markets recently introduced two new LED lighting solutions, Air and Flex, that offer flexibility and customization options.

Air is a lightweight hoop fixture available in numerous diameters and combinations of color output, while Flex is a linear modular lighting system that can be curved to create unique installations along walls or ceilings.

The two new products can be seen at the 3M Architectural Markets' new Minneapolis showroom in International Market Square.

Arts and Crafts show

Stickley. Roycroft. Rookwood. If those names get your aesthetic juices flowing, you'll want to check out the Twin Cities Arts and Crafts show and sale this Saturday and Sunday.

With more than 50 national vendors, it's one of the largest shows in the country dedicated to the American Arts & Crafts movement of 1900 to 1920. Homeowners seeking authentic items for their turn-of-the-century bungalows or Craftsman-style homes will find both antiques and reproductions, including furniture, metalwork, pottery, textiles, art and lighting, along with reference materials on the period.

The show will be held in the Progress Center at the State Fairgrounds. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun. Admission is $7.

Getting organized

Got clutter? The Minnesota chapter of NAPO (the National Associatio of Professional Organizers) is hosting a "Declutter and Get Organized" event and expo on Oct. 1 at the Doubletree Park Place, 394 and Hwy. 100 in St. Louis Park.

At 7:15 p.m., an organization pro will share strategies for eliminating excess stuff and organizing what's left. Between 5:30 and 8:30 p.m., vendors will showcase products and services focused on decluttering, reusing, recycling and reorganizing.

This year's event is also a shoe collection for Soles4Souls, an organization that provides shoes for those in need. Donations of new and used shoes will be collected in the parking lot from 5:30-7 p.m. Cost for the event is $30 with a shoe donation. Advance registration is recommended. For more information, visit www.napominnesota.com.

KIM PALMER