Michael Davis
Lisa Vossler Smith
Lisa Vossler Smith’s roots in the desert and long track record in the Coachella Valley Art and Culture scene makes her a perfect fit for Modernism Week’s CEO. I sat down with Vossler Smith to discuss her new role. Her husband, Philip K. Smith III— a renowned light-based installation artist who draws upon ideas of light and space, environment and change— showed up near the end of the interview, coming from his studio nearby. His art adorns the walls, along with delightful portraits of their dogs; a few ‘in memoriam’. Her home in Palm Desert is bright and full of art, and as we hydrated and sat down in her living room within view of her tempting pool, I was taken by her leopard print caftan, blonde locks and warm smile. We launched into a layered conversation about art, culture, covid, and the Coachella Valley Modernism scene.
When Vossler Smith moved to the Palm Springs area from Oklahoma as a ten-year-old, she was smitten with the desert scape and pools. She was intrigued by the shapes and patterns of modernist, mid century architecture, but hadn’t fully recognized it as a movement, she just knew she liked it. Vossler Smith says “it’s the feeling in the desert, the natural beauty, the pace, the indoor/ outdoor lifestyle; it’s home.”
A graduate of Indio High School and UC Irvine, Vossler Smith eventually went to work for The Palm Springs Art Museum. She has been a part of the Modernism team since 2005, most recently as Executive Director of Modernism Week. The event began as a three-day event over Presidents Day weekend. In 2020, more than 160,000 people enjoyed the celebration of art, music, culture, architecture, vintage furniture, home décor, and visual inspiration.Cultural tourism from more than 40 countries make modernism week a must see for collectors, mid-century modern enthusiasts, architectural historians, and interested residents.
When I asked Vossler Smith about how the lockdowns affected the Modernism events, she said “when everyone was in triage mode, we all asked ourselves what was important in life. We all need culture, and particularly during a time of crisis.” Ironically, the pandemic has only burnished the reputation and scope of the already wildly popular event, and it has expanded because of it. They had just wrapped in February 2020 when Covid first entered our lives. In 2021, Modernism Week was canceled, but in 2022 more than 100,000 attendees celebrated in style. MW has expanded into year-round programming with outdoor walking tours, bus tours (Nov.-May), video screenings and more. This season, there will be a four-day event October 13-16, 2022 and an 11-day extravaganza in February, 2023. The Palm Springs Modernism Fall Show includes an opening night preview party on Oct.14, a cocktail reception, live music, and an exclusive first chance to shop at the show before it opens to the public. October 15 and16 will feature more than 45 premier national and international decorative and fine arts dealers.
The October Modernism Show offerings include visits to unique properties including The House of Tomorrow, Frank Sinatra's Twin Palms Estate, and daily tours of Sunnylands. The Premier Double Decker Bus Architecture Tour is Lisa's top recommendation for those looking to learn more about the history of modernism in Palm Springs.
Towards the end of the interview Vossler Smith revealed that she has a side project on Instagram called @tinypalmsprings, a fabulous Barbie doll soap opera glorifying and poking fun at the Desert Lifestyle through staged vignettes. She builds dioramas/sets and crafts clothes, furniture, and props and even a stretch limo. I got a quick tour of her ‘studio’ in a back room and realized she and I were on vastly different levels of artistic hobbies. The whole production is superbly executed, and has a large following on social media. The Modernism CEO was a bit reluctant to share this tidbit. I think it only enhances her caché. After all Barbie is the quintessence of mid-century modern. I laughed that she left this nugget till the end of our get together, but clearly she is both supremely talented and humble.
