Design NC: Celebrating Life and Style in Design

May 2023

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Fundraising event for The Cameron Art Museum

Welcome

The Cameron Art Museum’s springtime fundraiser is back! On May 6th, join us at the CAM as Design NC celebrates the exuberance of lifestyle in design. Enjoy engaging presentations from neo-traditionalist interior designer Ashley Whittaker, renowned ceramicist Christopher Spitzmiller and tastemaker and author Frances Schultz. A beautiful luncheon will also take place in the CAM courtyard along with book signings by all three authors throughout the day. As this event will take place in person, the CAM will be following any CDC guidelines for safe gathering practices.

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Interior Design

Vision of Design NC

The Vision of Design NC is to elevate support and awareness for Cameron Art Museum through an annual forum that celebrates the craft of design and provides regional outreach to design professionals, students and arts enthusiasts.

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Sponsorship Opportunities
Entertaining
Craftmanship

Keynote Speakers

Design NC:

Celebrating Life and Style in Design

9:00- Check-in at CAM.

9:30- Opening remarks by CAM and Design NC committee.

9:45-10:30- Ashley Whittaker presents her charming interiors and inside scoop of her new book, The Well-Loved House.

10:45-11:15- Christopher Spitzmiller reviews topics from renovations to collecting antiques while showcasing pieces from his famed ceramic lamp, tabletop and accessories collection.

11:30-12:30- Lunch in the tented CAM courtyard

12:45-1:30- Frances Schultz’s presentation.  Frances Schultz delights with entertaining ideas that span from tabletops to menu planning to favorite recipes.

1:30-2:00- Ask any of our keynote speakers your questions during the Question & Answer session.

2:00- This time at the end of the event is your chance to get a personalized copy of Ashley’s book, The Well-Loved House; Christopher’s book, A Year at Clove Brook Farm; or Frances’s latest title, California Cooking and Southern Style.

After the event, please take a moment to enjoy the North Carolina antiques exhibition curated with pieces from the MESDA collection and vignettes designed by local interior designers.

Ashley Whittaker

Described as a “neo-traditionalist”, Ashley Whittaker reveals her fresh and modern perspective on traditional design and architecture in all of her work. The New York City decorator’s…

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Christopher Spitzmiller

Christopher’s iconic ceramic lamp designs draw inspiration from classical forms and traditional gem-like glazes. He began his career in Georgetown in Washington, D.C. where he worked out of an…

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Frances Schultz

Wayfinder, writer, speaker, artist, and seeker, Frances re-directed her life and career during the pandemic of 2020 to become a certified Martha Beck Wayfinder life coach and master coach-in-training…

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Sponsors

Sponsorship Opportunities: Sponsorship Documents

Bessie Hanahan & Family

John Jordan
&
Coleman Burgess

Our 2020 Sponsor Highlight Video – Click Here

Past Events

2021 Dialogues on Modernism and Maximalism

In the spring of 2021, Design NC embraced the conveniences of modern-day technology and conducted its program virtually! The audience and presenters gathered in an online forum to share enthusiasm about a beautiful range of design styles. Thom Filicia entertained us from his New York apartment as he shared his projects, philosophies and product development. Modernist architect Robert Gurney signed on afterward to offer us a fascinating perspective on his new constructions and historic renovations in the DC area. On Day two, master plaster craftsman Foster Reeve ushered us into the world of maximalism as he discussed opulent interior flourishes such as custom ceiling medallions, curved crown moldings and historical restorations. Last but not least, Celerie Kemble took us on a virtual tropical vacation to her Dominican passion project, Playa Grande, while offering us the inside scoop on her new book, Island Whimsy. While an in-person gathering was not permitted due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we greatly appreciated everyone's participation and enjoyed learning from these wonderful designers and craftsmen.

2019 The Language of Design: Inside and Out

Design NC’s inaugural fundraising event for CAM, The Language of Design: Inside and Out, took place in May of 2019. Celebrated New York interior designer Alexa Hampton presented her keynote address followed by Greensboro-based landscape architect Chip Callaway. Honorary Chair and renowned interior designer Marshall Watson led a panel discussion about designing a seamless flow from the indoors to exteriors. Attendees gained a bountiful amount of inspiration and enjoyed many laughs. We look forward to when we can gather in person again at CAM and thank everyone for their support along the way.

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