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Eddie’s Drive-in, in a panorama shot by Oscar Mayo in the 1930s, is part of the Modesto Architecture Festival Exhibit at the McHenry Museum. Modesto Art Museum, image via modbee.com

Modesto Architecture Festival

September 12-20, 2015

Since 2008, the American Institute of Architects Sierra Valley Chapter and the Modesto Art Museum have hosted the Modesto Architecture Festival. In 2014, the festival was nine days, 135 free events, and thousands of participants, making it one of the largest architecture festivals in the country. The 2015 festival will be an even richer event as we explore and celebrate architecture, landscape, public art, and urban design.

There is something inspirational and informative for everyone of every interest and age: tours, exhibits, international movies, bike rides, workshops, speakers, installations, interventions, kid’s activities, and special events with dozens of community partners. Almost all events and activities are admission free! The festival mission is to celebrate architecture and architectural design as both an art and a science, and to heighten public awareness of architecture and the value of architects and designers in creating more livable and beautiful communities.

The American Institute of Architects, Sierra Valley Chapter, and Barzan’s Modesto Art Museum sponsor the Architecture Festival to draw attention to the city’s many structures designed by some of the most famous architects and landscape designers from the early and mid-20th century – people such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Thomas Church, Bernard Maybeck and Lawrence Halprin, mentioned in reports.

“Though we celebrate architecture, landscape and urban design from all over the world, we also honor the work of local architects both historic and contemporary,” Barzan said. “One of the reasons we attract more than 5,000 people a year is because the events are not just informative, they are fun and inspirational.”

The same reports say that One of the fun – and most popular – events will be the Family Architecture Experience and Kids Workshop. Planned for Sept. 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Modesto branch of the Stanislaus County Library, the workshop will offer hands-on crafts, building experiences, games and activities for children of all ages who are accompanied by an adult. Last year, about 600 children and their adults participated, Barzan said.

Another highlight of the festival will be the Architecture Film Night on Sept. 18 at the State Theatre, featuring 10 short films from seven countries on architecture, landscape and urban design. Also at film night will be Tucker Gorman, who will talk about his giant treehouse project in Washington state, featured in one of the night’s films, “The Cinder Cone.” A reception at 6 p.m. precedes the 7 p.m. films. The McHenry Museum will host screenings of architectural film shorts daily (except Monday) from noon to 4 p.m., in addition to the panorama photos.

> via modestoarchfest.com