Discover “Design Is…” During the Goldstein Museum of Design’s Annual Benefit and Upcoming Exhibition

What do the Rapson Rapid Rocker and a Shaker chair have in common (other than the obvious, that they’re both for sitting)? A 19th-century Crazy Quilt and a Lone Ranger and Tonto novelty blanket? A Finnish Rya rug and Marimekko screen print? A candlestick by Louis Comfort for Tiffany and a Michael Graves tea kettle for Alessi?

Well, for one thing, these home furnishings and décor are part of the formidable collection held by the Goldstein Museum of Design—whose holdings are larger than the Walker Art Center and Weisman Art Museum combined. Second, these objects are part of upcoming exhibition at the Goldstein, “Seeing 40/40: Forty Years of Collecting at GMD.” The 40 objects were selected by GMD curators to illustrate the collection’s breadth, from furniture, textiles, home décor and craft to apparel, graphic design and product design.  

The exhibition opens in September, but during GMD’s 7th Annual Benefit on Thursday, June 30, “Design Is…”, attendees will get a sneak peek at “Seeing 40/40.” You’ll also be able to read text accompanying some of these objects written by local design experts, writers and curators reflecting on the importance of the item in their lives and in the broader design culture. During the event, you are also welcome to comment on the impact of design in your life on video; the segments will be included in the fall exhibition.

GMD may be tucked into a building on the St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota. But since its inception, the museum has had large and far-reaching impacts. GMD hosts more than 100,000 visitors a year in classes, programs and free exhibitions in McNeal Hall (Gallery 241), Rapson Hall (HGA Gallery) and Northrop Hall (Fourth Floor Gallery). The collection contains more than 34,000 objects studied by more than 1,000 students annually, as well as local and national researchers. Its mission? The “Goldstein Museum of Design uses the power of design to foster improved quality of life for individuals and communities.”

“Design Is…” takes place in the HGA Atrium at the Historic Ford Center in Minneapolis. In addition to a special preview of the fall exhibition “Seeing 40/40,” the event includes live jazz, passed appetizers and buffet, and a cash bar. Funds raised support GMD’s free exhibitions and provide care for its collection.

For more information and ticket prices click here.

By Camille LeFevre