Miami. Palm Springs. Winnetka. San Francisco. I have been to many of the major 20th century design shows, and have fond memories of each. (Except for San Francisco, and you know why, McKinley. You know why.) There's something wonderful about finding yourself in a ballroom full of people just as cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs as you are. You stand there, surrounded by iconic designs, chatting with dealers in Hawaiian print shirts, and throwing around names like Bel Geddes and Saarinen without eyebrow footnotes (those slightly raised eyebrows that indicate you could explain what you just said if the person to whom you are speaking stares blankly and suddenly pretends their smartphone is vibrating). It's bliss.
And now to the list of exceptional modernist gatherings we happily add the Houston Modern Market. This three-day modern weekend celebrated 20th century design and benefited Houston Mod, a preservation organization dedicated to Houston's surprisingly diverse, shockingly at-risk modern heritage. Held in the Winter Street Studios, an artists' collective literally on the other side of the tracks (several freight trains went by during our visit), Paul and I didn't know what to expect as we pulled up. We arrived a few minutes before the 10 am start, and only one man waited on the barren loading dock to gain entrance. Had we driven four hours and spent the night at a Drury Inn crawling with youth basketball league participants only to attend the modern show equivalent of a Mary Richards party? Absolutely not! 
Upon entering the show, we were greeted by friendly dealer after friendly dealer, and a series of midmod enthusiasts, each more passionate than the last. If the vendors did not offer a gasp-worthy array of museum quality designs you might find at, say, Palm Springs Modernism, they certainly presented an engaging, accessible, and affordable range of objects. In any of the booths, you could point to something that stirred you, an object you could shove into the unwilling embrace of a friend who thinks design reached its apex with the Federal style and say, "This! This, you dizzy queen, THIS is why you are wrong." Furniture, ceramics, art, jewelry, fashion, textiles, and more greeted you with each step further into the expansive studio building. To further one's enjoyment, many of the artists who work in the building had opened their studios to show off their art, much of which complemented a modern aesthetic.
Shortly after arriving, I was recognized by one of the featured speakers, Russel Wright enthusiast Don Emmite. (I am always flattered and always suprised when someone says they know me from this blog.) We made certain to find the lecture hall for his 11 am presentation. Don delivered his well-researched and engaging survey of Wright's career to a crowd of 50+ visitors. Paul, who has heard me prattle on about Wright, took a new interest in Wright's work thanks to Don. (I'd swear Paul selected his Casual China mug more thoughtfully on Monday morning.) Don had some great display objects as well, including a rare upholstery sample from an original Conant Ball American Modern dining chair. And because this writer always loves to know there are individuals out there even more insane passionate than he is, it was a thrill to learn that Don had taken this ragged sample to a weaver to duplicate so he could recover his chairs.
I did not walk away from Winter Street with only memories and new knowledge about Wright's work. I picked up a spectacular Stangl "Lyric" carafe, and a gorgeous Higgins glass bowl in hues of orange and green with gold highlights. 
On our way out, Paul and I bought tickets to the Houston Mod cocktail party that night at Reba House, a 1961 modernist home in the considerably more traditional neighborhood of River Oaks. It was a treat to see this home (on the market for a mere $1.67 million), decorated with retro furnishings for the event.
We got a chance to chat with several Houston Mod board members, some of the dealers from the show, and a few random guests. Especially impressive were the ladies who dressed in full vintage drag, adding a delightful and colorful touch of period elegance to the event.
On the way back to Dallas, Paul and I stopped at a variety of antique malls in Houston and Spring. In true Texas fashion, they were huge, and I was surprised to find some great deals. A Russel Wright Casual China skillet, a Red Wing "Driftwood" sugar bowl, and a Stangl "Country Garden" bread tray were all too well priced to pass up. 
The weekend getaway (my first visit to Houston) was a terrific experience. I can't wait to return to the city to see more of its modernist architecture. And we didn't even get to a museum or theater... so much more to explore. We look forward to a return visit, certainly for Modern Market 2012, if not sooner.
Sounds like you had a great time and made some wonderful purchases! We had planned to go, but we had to stay home and "tend the store." I would have loved to hear Don Emmite, since I share your obsession with Russel Wright.
Posted by: Dana@mid2mod | April 13, 2011 at 11:22 PM
Oh, I just noticed your picture in front of Steve Cambronne's booth. We're going to start carrying some of Stevo's pieces. Aren't they fun?
Posted by: Dana@mid2mod | April 13, 2011 at 11:24 PM
Thanks for a nice write up! We are looking forward to next year.
Posted by: Don Emmite | April 20, 2011 at 06:06 AM
I noticed the piece of Higgins glass in your photo. I found a similiar piece at an estate sale last weekend in ohio. I paid $1.00 for it and had no idea what I was buying. I've been researching to find out more about Higgins glass. Love your other treasures too.
Posted by: Laurie | July 20, 2011 at 08:35 PM
Laurie, you got a great deal! (I paid about $60 for mine.) My friends Bob & Sandi Woodward have a great site -- www.jax-deco.com -- with lots of Higgins glass for sale. It's fun to see all the different patterns and shapes they have available.
Posted by: Antay Bilgutay | July 25, 2011 at 05:20 AM