Design Wire
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Eileen Gray
Irish architect and designer Eileen Gray is finally receiving the recognition she deserves. E.1027: EILEEN GRAY AND THE HOUSE BY THE SEA explores her legacy and her iconic Côte d’Azur home. Built in 1929, E.1027 was envisioned as a private retreat but soon drew the unwanted attention of Le Corbusier, who defaced its walls with murals and later constructed his own cabin nearby.
This hybrid docu-fiction film, presented by First Run Features and the Architecture and Design Film Festival, examines Gray’s groundbreaking contributions to modernism and the struggle over artistic ownership that ensued. It is now available for streaming on Apple TV+.
Foundation For Portland Public Schools
The FOUNDATION FOR PORTLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS has received a transformative $1 million donation from anonymous alumni donors to strengthen arts and music education. Half of the funds will go directly to arts and music programs, while the remaining $500,000 will be used flexibly across the district. Executive Director Andi Summers says the gift will accelerate plans already underway to expand the arts curriculum, bringing more opportunities for creativity and expression to students.
“Exposure to and participation in the arts—whether visual, musical, or performance—are essential elements of a well-rounded education,” the donors wrote. “All students deserve to access inspiration and to discover their creativity through the arts.”
Big Night boutique
BIG NIGHT boutique in the West Village of New York City is known for its curated selection of homewares, tableware, and objects that celebrate modern and midcentury design. They recently launched an exclusive line from RUSSEL WRIGHT’S iconic AMERICAN MODERN collection. The line includes dinner plates, pitchers, lug bowls, and more in four colorways—two of which, red and buttercream, are available only at Big Night.
Originally designed in the late 1930s by Wright as part of the Good Design movement, the collection brought casual, functional earthenware to everyday dining. Historic pottery studio BAUER POTTERY, which tightly controls the line’s distribution, has made this rare in-store offering possible.
Hamilton House
Long a landmark in Naples, the historic AUGUSTUS BOVE HOUSE has been thoughtfully reimagined and reopened as the Hamilton House. Originally built in 1860 as the town’s only hotel, the property was later purchased by politician Augustus Bove, who helped shape the Naples Causeway from the hotel’s front porch. After serving as a bed-and-breakfast for four decades, the house has now been transformed into a short-term rental accommodating up to 26 guests.
Designer Carlee Cardwell of DAMBLY DESIGN created a dynamic, multilayered interior reimagined through pattern, color, and mood. Builder Dan Phelan of RIGHT LEVEL CONSTRUCTION in Raymond restored structural integrity and elevated the interiors with careful detailing and custom craftsmanship—bringing much-needed soul back into the home.
Bath Area Family YMCA
The BATH AREA FAMILY YMCA celebrated the opening of its new early learning center at 6 Farley Road, designed to serve the children of local shipyard workers while also welcoming the wider community. The $13 million, ten-classroom facility offers 120 childcare slots for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, marking a significant expansion of the Y’s childcare program. Funded in part by the U.S. NAVY, the center reflects a thoughtful approach to family-centered design and community support.
Maine Outdoor Film Festival
The MAINE OUTDOOR FILM FESTIVAL (MOFF) held its sixth Portland flagship festival July 23 to 27 with record-breaking attendance, featuring 95 films across 20 screenings. Panel discussions and networking events welcomed 35 filmmakers from Maine and six countries. Following the Portland event, MOFF toured 18 Maine towns through their annual Selects Tour, partnering with local theaters and land trusts to bring outdoor films to communities statewide. Film submissions and sponsorship opportunities for the 2026 festival are now open at MOFF.film.