The 2020 Pasadena Showcase season is officially underway. On Friday, Jan. 17, the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts (PSHA) held its annual Empty House Party, marking the debut of the 56th Pasadena Showcase House of Design. Nearly 400 design enthusiasts and patrons of the arts were on hand to celebrate the occasion.

The evening affair was chaired by Dana Marevich and Lynn Mehl who treated guests to a sneak peek of the Arcadia property before it begins its transformation into the magnificent Showcase House. In the upcoming months, 21 design firms will update the Locke House, a federal-country style, 6,700 square-foot estate designed by Hollywood’s society architect Gerard R. Colcord into an elegant residence for modern times.

During the evening, guests met with designers and glimpsed the various design concepts while enjoying culinary offerings from Cynthia Brooks Distinctive Catering. The menu included short rib brioche in a Pinot Noir pepper sauce, jumbo shrimp and cocktail crab claws, sundried tomato and orecchiette pasta salad and homemade New England corn chowder. To end the evening, guests enjoyed gourmet desserts and freshly brewed coffee.

“This annual event wouldn’t be possible without the help of our volunteers and the support of the neighbors,” said PSHA President Vikki Sung. “We’re thankful to the City of Arcadia and the generosity of their residents for allowing us to be part of their community.

“This year, in addition to the house and garden tours, we’re hosting a series of musical performances underscoring that Showcase is more than just a pretty house,” said 2020 Benefit Chair Jill Fosselman. “We want to emphasize the connection between the beautiful and inspirational design house that people come to see with the music and arts programs we fund throughout Southern California.”

This will be the third time the Pasadena Showcase House of Design will be held in Arcadia. It was last held there in 2013. Along with regular scheduled house and garden tours, the Shops at Showcase will feature approximately 26 vendors. The Restaurant at Showcase and the Pub at Showcase are on-site for drinks and dining. Daily entertainment will add to the festivities. Tickets will also be available for special Saturday evening concerts.