WRAP-UP: “HOME” opening night
ABOVE: Popular blogger and HGTV personality Erin Loechner gives her presentation at the opening of “HOME,” an interior design exhibition curated by Birdhouse Interior, on display through Sunday, December 11th at the Bancroft Street Market.
Last Friday, December 2nd was the opening night of Bridhouse Interior‘s “HOME,” an exhibition in interior design. The event, ongoing until December 11th at the Bancroft Street Market, features seven rooms filled with the artwork of several local artists. Some artwork was unique and distinctive, such as the framed strands of silky material that looked like the back of someone’s long hair (by Anna Dewey Greer), and some was modern, like the conceptual pieces found in the “Dining Room” by Alison Van Volkenburg. Instead of appearing too trendy, the rooms coupled a few distinctive pieces with more typical decorative elements one might expect. Rather than merely a showcase of what’s fashionable today, the rooms were ones in which I could actually see myself living.
In the couple hours before guest speaker and popular blogger/HGTV personality Erin Loechner (above) took the mic, people mingled and schmoozed while strolling through the various rooms, scrutinizing the details of their design while enjoying the open bar and various treats (my favorite was the peppermint bark). The crowd was mostly well-dressed twenty and thirty-somethings, (many of whom were couples) with several attendees were middle-aged and above, as well. Naturally, most seemed to be fans of interior design.
Shortly after eight o’clock, a visibly distressed and winded, yet enthusiastic Loechner took the stage. It turns out her windedness wasn’t because of nervousness. About two minutes into her speech she stopped and addressed the crowd: “Can I tell you guys something?” she asked earnestly. “I just found out I’m pregnant.” What followed was laughter and a roar of applause before Loechner showed incredible composure and continued. Her main theme was the importance of community in pursuing one’s artistic interests. To her, the Internet plays a powerful role in finding that community of supporters and collaborators. Before becoming a very prominent online resource for design, she merely had a personal blog with a few hundred subscribers. Working her way up, and staying persistent, she eventually achieved the notoriety she enjoys today. Despite her fame, she emphasized that she enjoys working with everyone, and finds inspiration from individuals from all walks of life. She believes everyone should have a blog, whether one is trying to become a prominent influence in the artistic community, or just a person who has a passion for dogs.
While using the source material of her specific field, Loechner found a way to make her words universally-applicable and inspiring for all. In a way, the “HOME” event itself does the same thing. Through the specific genre of interior decorating, the rooms appeal to all who enjoy art, design, and aesthetics.
