Plastics and the Cool Factor

Bakelite was invented in 1907, cellophane in 1913. Thus emerged the age of plastic, a substance that has since thoroughly invaded our kitchens, cars, and body tissues. But utilitarian doesn’t have to mean ugly. The best designers have used this medium, in its seemingly endless variety of forms, to create sleek, colorful gadgets that bring a little thrill to our everyday lives. On view here are some of the best examples of that stuff, from household appliances and toys to an iPod, which, frankly, looks silly labeled behind glass, even though its design sense is sublime. 612-870-3131; www.artsmia.org