12 Must-See Art and Design Events This January
Get out and get inspired! See what’s on the Houzz creative calendar in the new year
Take a walking tour blindfolded. Become the master mixologist of your home bar. Discover the latest kitchen and bath materials and products. And we haven’t even mentioned the largest gathering of Nordic interior design. So whether you’re looking to revamp your home, learn a few new skills or just want something fun to do, check out our list of the top 12 events for January 2016.
Shown: Japansk quilt, by Nordic Kicks
Shown: Mouth-blown glass with brass rings, Minor Flaws collection by Stoft
2. Interior Design Show in Toronto
Each January, design enthusiasts and professionals gather here to experience the newest and most innovative of international and Canadian design. The three-day event features inspirational exhibits, influential speakers and the upcoming season’s hottest products.
This year’s guest of honor is world-renowned designer Tom Dixon, whose works are included in permanent collections at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Dixon will feature some of his latest designs at IDS and will also be a keynote speaker.
When: January 21-24
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Center, North Building, 255 Front Street West, Toronto
Cost: about $14 ($19 Canadian) online; about $16 ($22 Canadian) at the door
Info: IDS Toronto
Shown: Brew Aerial, by Tom Dixon
Each January, design enthusiasts and professionals gather here to experience the newest and most innovative of international and Canadian design. The three-day event features inspirational exhibits, influential speakers and the upcoming season’s hottest products.
This year’s guest of honor is world-renowned designer Tom Dixon, whose works are included in permanent collections at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Dixon will feature some of his latest designs at IDS and will also be a keynote speaker.
When: January 21-24
Where: Metro Toronto Convention Center, North Building, 255 Front Street West, Toronto
Cost: about $14 ($19 Canadian) online; about $16 ($22 Canadian) at the door
Info: IDS Toronto
Shown: Brew Aerial, by Tom Dixon
Shown: Wingback chair, Melt lamps, by Tom Dixon
Shown: Wingback chair, Melt lamp, Trace table, by Tom Dixon
3. Science of Cocktails
Finally learn how to use your home bar at the San Francisco Exploratorium’s Science of Cocktails. The museum’s staff of scientists will present a variety of cool mixology techniques along with the chemistry behind them. Learn the real difference between shaken and stirred martinis. Practice using everyday bar items like toothpicks, straws, cups and beer tops to perform those classic bartender maneuvers.
Although some of the presentations will use materials and gadgets found only in the lab, with hands-on activities and taste testings, attendees will learn about center of gravity, density, convection, surface tension, air pressure and electrostatics — all in the context of cocktails.
When: January 22
Where: Exploratorium, Pier 15, Embarcadero at Green Street, San Francisco
Cost: $145 general admission, $215 VIP; 21 and older only. Proceeds from ticket sales directly support the Exploratorium’s educational programs.
Info: Science of Cocktails
Shown: Artist Ben Cowden mixes a Corpse Reviver No. 2 cocktail using Distillery No. 209 Gin and Lillet.
Photo by Gayle Laird, Exploratorium
Finally learn how to use your home bar at the San Francisco Exploratorium’s Science of Cocktails. The museum’s staff of scientists will present a variety of cool mixology techniques along with the chemistry behind them. Learn the real difference between shaken and stirred martinis. Practice using everyday bar items like toothpicks, straws, cups and beer tops to perform those classic bartender maneuvers.
Although some of the presentations will use materials and gadgets found only in the lab, with hands-on activities and taste testings, attendees will learn about center of gravity, density, convection, surface tension, air pressure and electrostatics — all in the context of cocktails.
When: January 22
Where: Exploratorium, Pier 15, Embarcadero at Green Street, San Francisco
Cost: $145 general admission, $215 VIP; 21 and older only. Proceeds from ticket sales directly support the Exploratorium’s educational programs.
Info: Science of Cocktails
Shown: Artist Ben Cowden mixes a Corpse Reviver No. 2 cocktail using Distillery No. 209 Gin and Lillet.
Photo by Gayle Laird, Exploratorium
Shown: An Exploratorium staff scientist demonstrates how to quickly infuse fruits and vegetables using a bell jar, a beaker and a vacuum pump
Photo by Gayle Laird, Exploratorium
Photo by Gayle Laird, Exploratorium
Shown: Bartendro, a cocktail bot that lets guests choose a drink with the push of a button.
Photo by Gayle Laird, Exploratorium
Photo by Gayle Laird, Exploratorium
4. Top Drawer
Home goods, gifts, fashion accessories and handmade crafts converge at the U.K.’s leading design-led buying event. Professionals from all sectors of the design world gather to view and purchase goods from leading international brands. This year the event will feature the Food Emporium, which showcases the latest in specialty and fine food trends from emerging artists, producers and brands.
When: January 17-19
Where: Olympia London, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, London
Cost: Free. Trade only
Info: Top Drawer
Shown: Lamps and lanterns, by Broste Copenhagen
Home goods, gifts, fashion accessories and handmade crafts converge at the U.K.’s leading design-led buying event. Professionals from all sectors of the design world gather to view and purchase goods from leading international brands. This year the event will feature the Food Emporium, which showcases the latest in specialty and fine food trends from emerging artists, producers and brands.
When: January 17-19
Where: Olympia London, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, London
Cost: Free. Trade only
Info: Top Drawer
Shown: Lamps and lanterns, by Broste Copenhagen
Shown: Georg desk, by Skagerak
5. Kitchen & Bath Industry Show
More than 400 exhibitors showcase kitchen products from basic cabinetry to large appliances at KBIS, the go-to place for professionals to discover the latest in kitchen and bath trends and technology. This year will see the introduction of an area dedicated to outdoor kitchen and living design trends. Attendees can view the newest furniture, appliances and accessories for outdoor living and experience a fully functioning outdoor kitchen, complete with taste testing.
When: January 19-21
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, 3150 Paradise Road, Las Vegas
Cost: Varies (see price list for early-bird and special member discounts). Trade only
Info: Kitchen & Bath Industry Show
Shown: Artisan Fire pizza oven, by Kalamazoo
More than 400 exhibitors showcase kitchen products from basic cabinetry to large appliances at KBIS, the go-to place for professionals to discover the latest in kitchen and bath trends and technology. This year will see the introduction of an area dedicated to outdoor kitchen and living design trends. Attendees can view the newest furniture, appliances and accessories for outdoor living and experience a fully functioning outdoor kitchen, complete with taste testing.
When: January 19-21
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, 3150 Paradise Road, Las Vegas
Cost: Varies (see price list for early-bird and special member discounts). Trade only
Info: Kitchen & Bath Industry Show
Shown: Artisan Fire pizza oven, by Kalamazoo
6. International Window Covering Expo
At the only U.S. trade show dedicated to the window covering industry, professionals can see the latest designs and technology in blinds, shades, shutters, drapes and all window covering accessories for interiors and exteriors.
The event also offers many CEU-accredited seminars. Speakers will focus on design trends, product fabrication and business development techniques.
When: January 19-21
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, 3150 Paradise Road, Las Vegas
Cost: Varies (see price list for early-bird and special member pricing). Trade only
Info: International Window Covering Expo
Shown: Room design by Mary Susan Bicicchi
At the only U.S. trade show dedicated to the window covering industry, professionals can see the latest designs and technology in blinds, shades, shutters, drapes and all window covering accessories for interiors and exteriors.
The event also offers many CEU-accredited seminars. Speakers will focus on design trends, product fabrication and business development techniques.
When: January 19-21
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, 3150 Paradise Road, Las Vegas
Cost: Varies (see price list for early-bird and special member pricing). Trade only
Info: International Window Covering Expo
Shown: Room design by Mary Susan Bicicchi
Shown: Room design by Leigh Anderson
Shown: Room design by Michelle Pabarcius
7. Maison & Objet Paris
Paris hosts the main event for professionals working in the art of high-end luxury living. Maison & Objet brings together the latest trends in home decor, furniture, tableware, textiles, fragrances and accessories from world-renowned international brands and designers.
Outside the exhibition showrooms, the event features a lecture series hosted by design experts, providing professionals with a source of exclusive, forward-looking information on the luxury market’s upcoming trends.
When: January 22-26
Where: Parc des Expositions Paris Nord Villepinte, ZAC Paris Nord 2, Villepinte, France
Cost: About $65 (60 €) presale online;) about $76 (70 €) day of show. Trade only
Info: Maison & Objet Paris
Shown: Amodo, by l’Opificio, 2015 exhibitor
Paris hosts the main event for professionals working in the art of high-end luxury living. Maison & Objet brings together the latest trends in home decor, furniture, tableware, textiles, fragrances and accessories from world-renowned international brands and designers.
Outside the exhibition showrooms, the event features a lecture series hosted by design experts, providing professionals with a source of exclusive, forward-looking information on the luxury market’s upcoming trends.
When: January 22-26
Where: Parc des Expositions Paris Nord Villepinte, ZAC Paris Nord 2, Villepinte, France
Cost: About $65 (60 €) presale online;) about $76 (70 €) day of show. Trade only
Info: Maison & Objet Paris
Shown: Amodo, by l’Opificio, 2015 exhibitor
8. FOG Design + Art
With the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) currently under renovation (scheduled to reopen in the spring of 2016), various venues have been hosting pop-up museums throughout the city. This January, Fort Mason presents FOG Design + Art, a “platform for contemporary design and art that shifts, morphs and reveals itself through multiple forms and dimensions.” See everything from sculptures to paintings to full room installations, all from local artists and galleries.
When: January 14-17
Where: Fort Mason Festival Pavilion,
San Francisco
Cost: $20 online; $25 at the door
Info: FOG Design + Art
Shown: Exhibiting artist Friedman Benda
Photo by Drew Altizer
With the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) currently under renovation (scheduled to reopen in the spring of 2016), various venues have been hosting pop-up museums throughout the city. This January, Fort Mason presents FOG Design + Art, a “platform for contemporary design and art that shifts, morphs and reveals itself through multiple forms and dimensions.” See everything from sculptures to paintings to full room installations, all from local artists and galleries.
When: January 14-17
Where: Fort Mason Festival Pavilion,
San Francisco
Cost: $20 online; $25 at the door
Info: FOG Design + Art
Shown: Exhibiting artist Friedman Benda
Photo by Drew Altizer
9. Troublemakers: The Story of Land Art
Troublemakers: The Story of Land Art is a documentary on the landscape art movement in the late 1960s and early 1970s led by a group of renegade New York artists who sought to expand outside the studio scene and create monumental works in the desolate desert spaces of the American Southwest. The film includes rare footage and interviews that unveil the lives and careers of the revolutionary artists whose landscape art remains in place to this day.
After its premier at the 53rd New York Film Festival, Troublemakers will open at the IFC Center in New York on January 8, with other cities to follow.
When: Opening January 8
Where: IFC Center, 323 Sixth Ave., New York
Cost: $14 general admission
Info: Watch the trailer
Shown: Circular Surface, 1969, by featured artist Michael Heizer
Troublemakers: The Story of Land Art is a documentary on the landscape art movement in the late 1960s and early 1970s led by a group of renegade New York artists who sought to expand outside the studio scene and create monumental works in the desolate desert spaces of the American Southwest. The film includes rare footage and interviews that unveil the lives and careers of the revolutionary artists whose landscape art remains in place to this day.
After its premier at the 53rd New York Film Festival, Troublemakers will open at the IFC Center in New York on January 8, with other cities to follow.
When: Opening January 8
Where: IFC Center, 323 Sixth Ave., New York
Cost: $14 general admission
Info: Watch the trailer
Shown: Circular Surface, 1969, by featured artist Michael Heizer
Shown: Sun Tunnels, 1976, by featured artist Nancy Holt
10. Toronto Design Offsite Festival
Take a walking tour blindfolded, view abstract landscape designs and engage in hands-on art exhibits at this family-friendly, weeklong festival, which brings the beauty of interior design out onto the streets of Toronto. Storefronts will feature designer room vignettes, galleries will host immersive installations, and professionals from all areas of the design industry will host lectures, workshops and open-forum discussions open to the public.
When: January 18-24
Where: Downtown Toronto
Cost: Free
Info: Toronto Design Offsite Festival
Shown: Still from À Jamais (To Never Forever), by Faye Mullen
Take a walking tour blindfolded, view abstract landscape designs and engage in hands-on art exhibits at this family-friendly, weeklong festival, which brings the beauty of interior design out onto the streets of Toronto. Storefronts will feature designer room vignettes, galleries will host immersive installations, and professionals from all areas of the design industry will host lectures, workshops and open-forum discussions open to the public.
When: January 18-24
Where: Downtown Toronto
Cost: Free
Info: Toronto Design Offsite Festival
Shown: Still from À Jamais (To Never Forever), by Faye Mullen
Shown: Mixed media, by Adrian Wu, courtesy of Subtle Technologies
11. Consumer Electronics Show (CES)
Each year for the last 40 years, CES has invited attendees to experience the future of technology. This year the show will feature more than 3,600 consumer tech exhibitors and 200-plus conference sessions. As in past years, it will have sectors dedicated specifically to tech in the home, featuring everything from in-home 3-D printers to the latest in smart security systems to tech designed with a healthy home in mind.
When: January 6-9
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, 3150 Paradise Road, Las Vegas
Cost: Varies (see pricing). Trade only
Info: International Consumer Electronics Show
Shown: Drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles take flight at the Unmanned Systems Marketplace, CES 2015
Photo from Consumer Technology Association
Each year for the last 40 years, CES has invited attendees to experience the future of technology. This year the show will feature more than 3,600 consumer tech exhibitors and 200-plus conference sessions. As in past years, it will have sectors dedicated specifically to tech in the home, featuring everything from in-home 3-D printers to the latest in smart security systems to tech designed with a healthy home in mind.
When: January 6-9
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, 3150 Paradise Road, Las Vegas
Cost: Varies (see pricing). Trade only
Info: International Consumer Electronics Show
Shown: Drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles take flight at the Unmanned Systems Marketplace, CES 2015
Photo from Consumer Technology Association
Shown: CubePro desktop printer with yellow gears, by 3D Systems, 2016 exhibitor
12. Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishings Market
Retailers and designers gather here to source the latest in home furnishings and accessories from around the world. More than 7,300 brands from across all categories will be exhibiting at this year’s show.
Outside the showrooms, a slew of fun and educational events will be taking place. Learn about the 2016 color trends at the Pantone Design Exhibition; discover up-and-coming brands at the Museum of Introduction Gallery; or earn 10 hours’ worth of CEUs at Design Campus Live, a three-day educational workshop hosted by celebrity designers Kelli Ellis and Lori Dennis.
When: January 12-19
Where: 240 Peachtree Str. NW, Atlanta
Cost: Varies (see registration). Trade only
Info: Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market
Shown: 2015 Designer Lobby Vignette
Related: Dallas Total Home & Gift Market
Retailers and designers gather here to source the latest in home furnishings and accessories from around the world. More than 7,300 brands from across all categories will be exhibiting at this year’s show.
Outside the showrooms, a slew of fun and educational events will be taking place. Learn about the 2016 color trends at the Pantone Design Exhibition; discover up-and-coming brands at the Museum of Introduction Gallery; or earn 10 hours’ worth of CEUs at Design Campus Live, a three-day educational workshop hosted by celebrity designers Kelli Ellis and Lori Dennis.
When: January 12-19
Where: 240 Peachtree Str. NW, Atlanta
Cost: Varies (see registration). Trade only
Info: Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market
Shown: 2015 Designer Lobby Vignette
Related: Dallas Total Home & Gift Market
With more than 850 exhibitors and 23,000 attendees, Formex is the world’s largest meeting place for Nordic interior design. This semiannual trade fair is where designers, producers, wholesalers and buyers from around the world come to experience the latest trends in Scandinavian home goods.
Industry professionals have a chance to view and purchase items such as toys and garden gifts and choose from a variety of seminars on Nordic-style home trends.
When: January 20-23
Where: Mässvägen 1, Älvsjö, Sweden
Cost: About $23 (200 Swedish krona) per person before January 13; about $29 (250 krona) per person after. International attendees are free; email formex@stockholmsmassan.se for details. Trade only
Info: Formex
Shown: Glamour, by EmmaKisstina