Modern Atlanta: Showcase Of Design And Creativity

When we think of art we think of the visual arts — paintings, murals and sculptures.

But there also is the art of design, whether it's our homes or the rooms and furnishings and fixtures in them.

In that context, we see that artistic creativity isn't just free flowing, raw and wild, but that it there is an order and science to it.

It explains the 10-day long exhibition of international design being showcased by Modern Atlanta.

The exhibition, which started Friday, runs through June 10.

Founded five years ago, Modern Atlanta highlights the city's preeminence in the Southeast as the center for design both regionally and internationally.

This year's theme, MA12 "Design is Human," puts together a collection of events design to show the city's marriage of design and creativity in architecture, interior design and social responsibility, in addition to the visual arts.

“MA is focused on presenting and assembling in Atlanta the best design practices, products, and ideas in architecture and design, furnishings, materials, and innovation," said Bernard McCoy, who, along with Elayne DeLeo, co-founded the organization. "Everything is connected ‘360 degrees.’ "

As such, Modern Atlanta will feature some of the most interesting and innovative design concepts both from established brands in n Europe and the United States, as well as newcomers from the African and Asian continents.

A popular part of the Modern Atlanta experience is its annual home tour, designed to showcase the architecturally creative designs of leading architects.

This year's tour features the Old Fourth Ward home of Cara Cummins and Jose Tavel. The pair, who designed their home, are the creative forces behind TaC Studios Architecture.

Their imprint can be found all over Atlanta, including La Tavola Trattoria restaurant in Virginia-Highland, the 5 Seasons Restaurant & Brewery in West Midtown and 431 West Ponce de Leon in Decatur.

They've also left their mark on Atlanta's residential landscape having designed a number of modern homes in Old Fourth Ward, Custer/McDonough/Guice and Mechanicsville.

Cummins and Tavel invited East Atlanta Patch for a preview and to discuss what modern means to them and its place in a city not known for preserving its past.

Please click on the video to listen to part of our interview and to see their home as well as the their other residential and commercial projects.

For a full list of events, lectures, time and locations, please click on the attached PDF.