“Design Life Now: National Design Triennial”

America is having a love affair with design. And to show how it affects our everyday life, the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston is hosting “Design Life Now: National Design Triennial.” The show, put together by the Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt Design Museum, focuses on the best designs of the past three years, democratizing the high art of design by featuring lots of items we all see on a daily basis. The show’s 700 objects include things that many wouldn’t consider art, such as a dress and parka by Maria Cornejo and Deborah Adler’s redesign of prescription bottles, with easier-to-read labels and color coding. Own an iPod? Congratulations, you own a museum-worthy piece of design; Apple’s ubiquitous media player is honored in the exhibit.

Today’s opening-day activities include a panel discussion with several of the participating designers and music. Other events include Hands On Houston, a workshop at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, on March 1, and a lecture by internationally renowned artist/architect Vito Acconci at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston on March 5. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today. 5216 Montrose. For information and a complete schedule, call 713-284-8250 or visit www.camh.org. Free.
Jan. 26-April 20, 2008