Carefree California - Cliff May and the California Ranch House

Cliff May Homes advertisement

 A funny thing happened to my Airstream the other day.  She was invited to a museum opening.  And, not just any museum either.  The Art, Design and Architecture Museum at UC Santa Barbara (otherwise known as the ADA Museum.)

Now, you might be wondering 'why would an Airstream trailer be invited to an art museum opening?'  Here's why.  The ADA's grand opening exhibit is titled "Carefree California; Cliff May and the Romance of the Ranchhouse."  In case you are not familiar with Cliff May, he was a designer who is accredited with creating the iconic California casual ranch homes in the 1950's and 1960's.  His design style became the signature of living carefree in California after the war - and continues to this day.  His innovative ideas integrated houses and gardens, indoors with outdoors.  His designs often included floor to ceiling windows, expansive open floor plans and sprawling indoor/outdoor patios for entertaining or simply enjoying life.  His passion was designing homes that were in harmony with the way people wanted to live.

a Cliff May house

On February 24 - 26, 2012, our silver beauty will be beckoning guests to the opening of this exciting museum opening.  She'll be parked outside where visitors can meander in and out and be reminded of this graceful era.  The exibit will open to the public on Sunday, February 26, 2012 and continue through June 17, 2012.  In addition to the works of Cliff May, the museum will highlight their extensive collection of architectural drawings, models, sales pamphlets, photographs, film and television clips, publications, and building toys.  If California casual is your bag then don't miss this opportunity to glimpse back to the grassroots of this mid-century design craze.

And, on a personal note, I am especially honored to be asked to participate in this opening as my own father, Bruce McCurdy, was a professor emeritus in UCSB's Art Department.  He spent 30 years teaching art and showcasing the department's talented teachers and students in openings at this same venue.  I know he would be proud that our ol' silvergirl is going to be the 'spotlight' at the opening of the university's shiny new art museum!

Click here to learn more about the ADA Museum exhibit 'Carefree California: Cliff May and the Romance of the Ranch House.'

Learn more about Cliff May here.

Oh yeah, and by sheer coincidence, Palm Springs Modernism Week is on at the same time - February 16 - 26, 2012.  What a great opportunity to get your mod home design AND vintage trailer fix all at once!