Joan and Gary Gand and Joe Kunkel of the Chicago area are founders of a new non-profit organization devoted to the celebration and promotion of mid-20th Century modernist architecture, design and arts in the greater Chicago metropolitan area.

Chicago Bauhaus & Beyond will host social gatherings, talks and site tours celebrating Chicago's rich modernist heritage from the 1930s through the 1970s, as well as current developments in modern design.

Mid-century modern design is one of the hottest trends in architecture, interior design and collecting. CBB seeks to promote greater public awareness of the region's modernist legacy, with the aims of enjoyment, enlightenment and preservation.

CBB invites modernism fans, whether seasoned enthusiasts or newcomers, to attend the next gathering and consider joining the group. CBB also welcomes volunteers to assist in organizational roles. Annual memberships are $20/individual, $30/couple, or $50+ for donor/sponsorships. Memberships are accepted online at www.chicagobauhausbeyond.org and by sending dues or donations to Chicago Bauhaus & Beyond, P.O. Box 364, Flossmoor IL 60422.

CBB will have a booth at the Winnetka Modernism Show November 5-7, 2004 to promote the organization and accept new members. The show will feature select invited dealers specializing in vintage 20th Century furniture and decorative arts. Chicago Bauhaus & Beyond will also host its first Gala Benefit party, in an exquisite 1958 house designed by Edward Dart. For all the details, please visit www.chicagobauhausbeyond.org/calendar.htm

CBB derives its name from the New Bauhaus School of Design, located in Chicago, descendent of the influential German Bauhaus design school and precursor of the Illinois Institute of Technology's Institute of Design. The New Bauhaus, and later IIT, played crucial roles in developing and promoting modern design.

CBB held its first organizational meeting Feb. 8, 2004 at the Chicago Architecture Foundation, drawing a diverse group of participants including designers, educators, archivists, writers, dealers and owners of vintage modernist houses across the region. The group now has over 125 members and sponsors.

The group has held a number of exciting events already throughout 2004. Visit our website for photos on the "news" page.

Kunkel is a dealer in vintage modernist furnishings and publisher of Jetsetmodern.com. The Gands are longtime enthusiasts and collectors. Other members on hand included Andreas Hug, grandson of Moholy-Nagy, founder of the New Bauhaus; Catherine Bruck, archivist of the New Bauhaus archive at IIT; Paula Kowalczyk of Christies and Tom Clark of Modern Times.

www.chicagobauhausbeyond.org