Center for Architecture sets The Modern Show for May 13-14

"Tulip" chairs and tables by Knoll Inc. in the clubhouse of Sands Point. Famed architect Eero Saarinen designed the chair with Charles Eames in 1940; it received first prize in a competition titled "Organic Design in Home Furnishings." The group of Tulip furnishings, including tables and a stool, was designed in 1956.The decor fits with the modern architecture of the 1966 condo complex. Architecturally, Saarinen is best known for the TWA Terminal (1962) at New York's Kennedy Airport and the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, which he designed in 1948. It was not completed until four years after his death, at age 51 in 1961. Staff photo / Harold Bubil; 3-16-2013.

"Tulip" chairs and tables by Knoll Inc.. Famed architect Eero Saarinen designed the chair with Charles Eames in 1940; it received first prize in a competition titled "Organic Design in Home Furnishings." The group of Tulip furnishings, including tables and a stool, was designed in 1956. Staff photo / Harold Bubil; 3-16-2013.

The Center for Architecture Sarasota will hold a fundraiser called The Modern Show on May 13-14.

The event will feature donated 20th century modern furniture -- used but in good condition -- for sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 14, at the McCulloch Pavilion, 265 S. Orange Ave., Sarasota. Admission is free.

On Friday, CFAS will present tours of local 20th-century modern homes. Tickets are $35 for the tours. That evening, a mid-century cocktail party will be held for guests who will view the showcase first and reserve their purchases before the show officially opens on Saturday. The evening will also feature a keynote speaker on modern design. Tickets are $125.

The Modern Show is presented by Kerkering, Barberio & Co. and sponsored by Ashridge Holding Ltd. Additional sponsorships are available.

“We want to create a broad-reaching event that exemplifies our mission – to teach, encourage and protect good design," said Cynthia Peterson, CFAS board chair. With this event, we hope to remind our community that design is all around us -- and design matters. Great design elevates the spirit and comforts the soul.”

During the day there will be ongoing short lectures and stories from designers, architects, collectors and artists in the Lecture Hall. At 11 a.m., a vintage fashion show with champagne will be presented on the runway under the tent ($10). Food trucks will be on hand for coffee, snacks, drinks and lunch. The show will close at 6 p.m.

CFAS is soliciting donations of 20^th-century furniture, décor and art. Show organizers will pick up items free of charge and put them in the showcase or in the “well-loved” area comprised of pieces that are showing their age but still are useable and reflect good design. Donors should contact Cheryl Gaddie at cheryl@cfasrq.org or 941.350.5430.

Information is at themodernshow.com. Via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest, potential buyers will be able to view items in the show.