Kids & Family
Countdown to Michael Graves Day in San Juan Capistrano
It's the first and probably last time residents can meet the man who designed the library ... and a famous teapot.
It’s like a holiday: Friday is Michael Graves Day in San Juan Capistrano.
The world-renown architect perhaps more commonly known for a new take on the teapot is known around these parts for designing the San Juan Capistrano Library. To celebrate the library’s 30th anniversary, the San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library have invited Graves “home.”
However, this is no mere photo opp.
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The day will see many activities, culminating in a lecture about architecture to architects and fans of the art.
“This is truly a once-in-a lifetime opportunity,” said Mary DeMers of the SJC Friends of the Library. “It hasn't happened before (here or elsewhere) and it will not happen again. Mr. Graves is extremely happy to be coming to help commemorate the library building's 30th anniversary and to see San Juan Capistrano again.
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“This was a building he designed on his way to the top of his field and international acclaim; it has special meaning to him as it does to area residents and architecture buffs as well,” she said.
The special “day” actually started Tuesday, when San Juan Capistrano Mayor John Taylor proclaimed Friday Michael Graves Day.
“Michael Graves is an amazing American architect. He’s done some amazing buildings,” Taylor said.
The mayor will make that proclamation again with the man himself 2 p.m. Friday for the proverbial photo shoot in front of the library. The public is not only invited, it’s invited to ask Graves questions immediately following, said DeMers.
With fellow architects getting continuing education credits for attending the lecture, DeMers thought they may appreciate seeing Graves’ challenge in designing the library in such a historic town. So starting at 4 p.m. a horse-drawn carriage will shuttle visitors through neighborhoods of structures 100 years old – and far older – ending at the library to see the “challenge realized.”
A tour of the library is at 5 p.m. A wine-and-cheese reception follows at 6 p.m. and the lecture begins at 7.
Events from 4-8 p.m. are a fundraiser for the library. Tickets cost $75. For reservations call (949) 218-4512.
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