WE ARE PLEASED TO BE OFFERING BOTH IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL ATTENDANCE OPTIONS FOR THIS EVENT! PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS TO JOIN EITHER VENUE.
In early 2019 the Art Deco Society of Washington (ADSW) was approached by Denise Allen, then living nearby in Northern Virginia. She was interested in showing us some drawings she had in her possession. After a couple of visits, we understood the breadth and significance of what she had: nearly 700 photographs, letters, drawings, sketches, and renderings that had been in her possession for many years. The collection is the work of her grandfather, the French American Art Deco Designer Edgard Sforzina. Sforzina came to the United States in 1923, and he had a prolific career before passing away unexpectedly in early 1941. During his nearly 20 years based in New York Sforzina worked independently, in partnership with others, and for the noted architecture firm Fellheimer and Wagner. After nearly 4 years of collaborating on this project, our research shows that designs for select Cincinnati Union Terminal interiors, the Riverside Drive apartment of George Gershwin, and several department store interiors and displays can be attributed to Sforzina.
In addition to being a talented interior designer, Sforzina was an artist and illustrator, industrial designer, artisan, and architectural designer. Little is known about Sforzina beyond what we have been able to glean from Denise’s collection and some newspaper and magazine articles. We are hopeful that our collective efforts will spur others to do more research to help us fully understand his contributions to Art Deco. At the outset of this project, we could not have imagined what a vast undertaking it would be. As the Art Deco Society of Washington caps it 40th year since incorporation, we see the Sforzina Project as one of our most consequential undertakings to preserve, educate, and celebrate the many facets of the Art Deco era.
Steve Knight is a Principal with David M. Schwarz Architects, Inc. based in Washington, DC. Originally from Massachusetts and raised in North Carolina, Steve received a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from the University of North Carolina, and a Master of Architecture from North Carolina State University. While well versed in a variety of building types, Steve primarily focuses on the firm’s performing arts and higher education projects. Outside of professional practice, Steve is active in preservation advocacy, serving as President of the Art Deco Society of Washington and Board Member for the International Coalition of Art Deco Societies. He enjoys conducting local walking tours and lecturing on Art Deco architecture and design.
IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE
The lecture will take place at The First Congregational United Church of Christ, Second Floor, 945 G Street NW, Washington, DC. Reservations are not required. $10.00 for Latrobe Chapter members, student members (full time) free with ID, $15.00 for non-members. Doors will open at 6:30 pm for socialization and refreshments; lecture will begin at 7:00 pm. Copies of the book will be available for purchase.
VIRTUAL ATTENDANCE
Virtual attendance is free but advance registration is required to participate. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the lecture. Virtual lecture will begin at 7:00 PM. Please note that this event will not be recorded. TO REGISTER VIA ZOOM, CLICK HERE.
