The preservation group is launching an annual limited-edition run of porcelain trays
featuring the best of Rancho Mirage architecture, just in time for Modernism Week.
Rancho Mirage, CA – Preservation Mirage, whose mission is to celebrate the architectural history of Rancho Mirage by promoting its protection and appreciation, is releasing a limited-edition porcelain tray featuring the best of Rancho Mirage architecture in collaboration with local artist Michael Weems, whose 15 architectural trays to date have only featured Palm Springs architecture.
“Michael Weems’ iconic trays are a desirable item for mid-century modern enthusiasts and grace many of our members' homes,” said Nathan Jacroux, Marketing & Merchandise Committee Chair for Preservation Mirage. “It was a natural fit to work with Michael to develop the ‘must-have collectible’ for Modernism Week.”
The inaugural home in the annual collaboration is one of the most instantly recognizable buildings in our city, the Maranz Residence. It is featured in numerous books on mid-century architecture, as well as the cover of the Preservation Mirage Architecture Map. It will also be a highlight of this year's Preservation Mirage Modernism Week walking tours of the Tamarisk neighborhood, taking place on February 18th and 19th. The home was commissioned by Leo Maranz who was an engineer, artist, and inventor of ‘Tastee-Freez’ soft-serve ice cream. He purchased a lot at Tamarisk Country Club in the late 50s and asked his son-in-law Robert Marx to build him the most dramatic house on the golf course. Architect Val Powelson partnered with Marx to make that request a reality. Built in 1960, this is one of the earliest hyperbolic paraboloid structures in the Coachella Valley.
“The dramatic sweeping roofline of the Maranz Residence was a perfect fit to expand my collection. For years I have been asked about adding architecturally significant buildings in Rancho Mirage, the annual collaboration with Preservation Mirage made sense to source the most significant architecture,” said Michael Weems.
With original artwork penned by architect and member Ken Swoyer, only 150 of the collectible trays are being released, each measuring 10.75” x 6.5;” they are food and dishwasher-safe. On sale beginning February 8th in-store at the Michael Weems Collection (384 N Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262) and on the Preservation Mirage website at https://www.preservationmirage.org/shop for $75 plus shipping, with all profits being used to advance the non-profit’s mission. Preservationist-level members automatically receive a 20% discount when making their purchase online.
On February 26th, Preservation Mirage is hosting its first paid member-only event, Preservationist, Household, and Individual-level members are invited to a complimentary cocktail reception and private tour of the Maranz Residence to celebrate the product launch; Advocate-level members can purchase tickets for $100 at https://www.preservationmirage.org/upcoming-events. This member-only event is not open to the public.
ABOUT PRESERVATION MIRAGE
Preservation Mirage began as an informal group of homeowners that met to exchange ideas and information about preserving midcentury architecture in Rancho Mirage, California. In late 2017, a board of directors was elected, and the preservation group became a registered 501 (c)(3) nonprofit. Its mission is to celebrate the architectural history of Rancho Mirage by promoting its protection and appreciation. We do that by advocating for the protection of significant architecture while providing a path for those seeking historic designations and raising awareness of the city's historic architecture by offering educational opportunities that enhance its appreciation. Preservation Mirage offers a suite of educational seminars, cocktail parties, events, tours, and other exclusive benefits to help the organization achieve its goals. To sign up for our free quarterly email newsletter, or become a member please visit: https://preservationmirage.org
ABOUT THE MICHAEL WEEMS COLLECTION
For over 20 years, Michael Weems has been internationally renowned for creating beautiful collections of original, unique artwork. He gained extensive experience in design and fashion through his early work with Gucci and Tiffany & Co. Michael set out on his own in the latter part of the 1990s and within a few years built a multimillion-dollar business. Michael has created a limited edition collection of appliances for the Jen Air Artezzi line, designed a vase for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, designed the Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards sculptures, and licensed exclusive pieces for Dom Perignon, The Attorney General of the United States, Tommy Bahama, and Neiman Marcus. Michael has resided in Palm Springs since 2004 where he opened the Michael Weems Collection gallery. His art has appeared in countless publications, including Elle Decor and Architectural Digest. In 2017 multiple pieces of Michael's art were featured on HGTV’s ‘Desert Flippers’. He continues to express himself creatively in his always-evolving artwork, so there’s always something new to see in the galleries. Learn more at: https://michaelweems.com
PRESS CONTACT
Nathan Jacroux
Treasurer
Marketing & Merchandise, Committee Chair
Preservation Mirage
310-804-8788
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