LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA.- Dennis and Lisa Boses, with partner Dennis Clark, are owners of the legendary ’Off the Wall’ antiques store. The Boses’ have acquired the 17-year old L.A. Modernism Show from long-time show producers Caskey-Lees for an undisclosed sum. Known for its antiques and weird stuff and once referred to by the New York Times as "the best, free 15 minutes in Los Angeles", Off the Wall is famous for dealing in the rare and unique with a focus on designer furnishings from the 20’s to the 70’s. The store’s clientele over the 25 years they’ve been in business on Melrose Avenue includes a number of museums and discerning collectors, many of them from the worlds of film, television and music, that have been both amused and inspired by what the owners refer to as " a light-hearted approach to serious collecting".

News of the Boses’ acquisition of the L.A. Modernism Show created a buzz throughout the industry and a record 80 dealers have signed on, selling out the show. Mid-century modern, art deco, art nouveau, and arts and crafts furniture, historical architectural salvage, objets, fine art, jewelry, and textiles are showcased for sale at this annual design show. This year, it runs from May 7 to May 9, 2004, at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, opening with a gala preview party.

For the first time, this year Courteney Cox and David Arquette are hosting the show’s opening event, which benefits the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. " As fans of both the L.A. Modernism Show and Off the Wall Antiques, joining with Lisa and Dennis to benefit two of our favorite charities is a natural", said David Arquette.

Observed Dennis Boses in announcing their new ownership: "Having participated in the L.A. Modernism Show for many years, Lisa and I have always loved the finer aspects of this show, and felt it was really time to take this wonderful event - celebrating the best in design of the 20th century - to the next generation of new, young collectors. With so much historical architecture and design originating and culminating in California, and combining that with Hollywood’s glamour, where better than Los Angeles to create the best Modernism show in the country?"

Along with both new and established dealers coming back to the show, the Boses are planning an ambitious program of enhancements, with museum-quality exhibitions, book signings, and installations.

The Show is held at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, which is located off 4th Street on the corner of Pico and Main Street in Santa Monica. Show hours are Saturday, May 8, from 10 am to 7 pm and Sunday, May 9, from 11 am to 5 pm; $10 admission price for run of show and show catalogue. The gala opening preview party is Friday, May 7, from 6 to 9 pm. and features designer food, cocktails, and music.