California College of the Arts Extended Education Department offers more than 150 courses year-round in San Francisco and Oakland. Celebrating its 10th year, CCA's Interior Designers Forum offers the public a rare opportunity to look behind the scenes at the newest unpublished design work.  Each event provides an opportunity for the design community to engage in lively dialogue and discuss design in its broadest context. 

On Saturday, July 21, 2007, CCA presented “Art, Antiques, and Interiors: The New World of Collecting” at CCA’s San Francisco campus, 1111 Eighth Street (at 16th Street and Wisconsin). ASID members earned 0.6 CEU credit by attending this day-long Interior Designers Forum.  

Best-selling design author and editor Diane Dorrans Saeks presented an eclectic mix of speakers on a range of design philosophies and approaches, focusing in particular on the exciting possibilities of incorporating fine art and antiques into interiors. From auctions to galleries, contemporary art to historic textiles, the presenters shed light on the many aspects of collecting, curating, and living with art and antiques. Rich with images, each presentation included examples of the speakers latest projects, products, and inspirations.

Diane Dorrans Saeks, a noted editor, lecturer, and the author of 20 books, including California Country Style (Chronicle Books, 2006), Michael S. Smith: Elements of Style (Rizzoli, 2005), and Hollywood Style (Rizzoli, 2004). Ms. Saeks has also written extensively for the New York Times, Departures, Garden Design, and many other publications around the world. She is an editor at PaperCity (Houston and Dallas), the San Francisco editor-at-large for C magazine, the interior design editor for San Francisco magazine, and the California editor at Metropolitan Home.

Douglas Durkin, founder and head of the San Francisco interior design firm Douglas Durkin Design presented “New Trends for Art and Antiques”. Formerly with the Wiseman Group, Mr. Durkin is noted for his fine-tuned sense of style and exceptional skill in selecting, curating, and placing art and antiques in interiors.

Lisa Podos, the newly appointed Executive Director of the San Francisco Fall Antiques Show, presented “New Directions in Antiques and Art.” With ambitious plans for giving the show a larger, bolder scope and especially plans for addressing the fast-moving changes that are taking place in the antiques and art market, Ms. Podos offered highlights of new dealers and their specialties, including the brave new world of twentieth-century antiques and art.

Frish Brandt presented “Fine Photography: Collecting and Appreciating”. Partners in the Fraenkel Gallery since the 1980s, Ms. Brandt and Jeffrey Fraenkel have been leaders in shaping the public’s perception of photography and the trends in collecting fine, museum-quality photographic works.

After an organic lunch, Todd Hosfelt, owner and director of Hosfelt Galleries in San Francisco and New York, presented “Contemporary Art: What¹s Hot, What¹s Cool.” He gave an illustrated presentation from an insider’s perspective about appreciating and collecting contemporary fine art, addressing everything from the differences between established versus emerging artists to the subtleties of what to buy and when.

Adam Blackman, who founded Blackman Cruz antiques and art gallery with David Cruz, presented “A Passion for Collecting: Eccentric, Beautiful, and Extraordinary.” Since its LA opening 15 years ago, Blackman Cruz has become an essential destination for collectors and designers worldwide. They recently opened a trend-setting gallery next door to Therien & Co. in San Francisco.

Top designers often use vintage or antique textiles to enrich their interiors. Kathleen Taylor, of The Lotus Collection, presented “The Art of Textiles: Richly Woven and Intertwined Histories”. Ms. Taylor, a noted dealer and curator of important historical and international textiles, focused on the history of, and connections between, textiles and art. She illustrated the past use of textiles in interiors, and in fashion, as depicted in historical paintings and tapestries.

The private museum-quality, world-renowned art collection of San Francisco philanthropist Ann Getty was presented. Mrs. Getty opens her homes to countless charitable events each year. She is an avid supporter of the National Kidney Foundation of Northern California and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. She is also an active member of the Art Advisory Board at Sotheby's. Although Mrs. Getty was unavailable to speak at this event, she graciously allowed Ms. Saeks to present on her behalf.

President of the San Francisco-based interior design firm of Ann Getty and Associates, Mrs. Getty is fluent in various styles and periods. She is known for sourcing her vast array of objects and opulent materials from across the globe and for serving those interested in the finest materials, the preservation of antiques and respect for architectural integrity. Her strong interest in anthropology and archeology has led her to engage in the development and recognition of craftsmen as well as the preservation of their skills. She travels the world to work with the manufacturers, designers, craftsman and dealers involved in commissioned works for her clients. In 2003, the Ann Getty House Collection, a line of custom furniture featuring original designs and authentic reproductions, was launched.