Golden State of Craft: California 1960-1985

CAFAM and Craft in America have partnered together to commence a monumental exhibition; Golden State of Craft: California 1960-1985. This exhibition celebrates the groundbreaking craft artists and designers who flourished in California during a historic time of change. The works produced during these years propelled craft into new, uncharted directions that have had a lasting impact on contemporary art practices.

The opening reception is Saturday, September 24, 6-9pm and the exhibition will be up from September 25, 2011- January 8, 2012.

The Eighties

In conjunction with the Getty Institutes Pacific Standard Time: Art in L.A. 1945-1980, and to celebrate a golden era of craft in California, Freehand Gallery and Craft in America Study Center present "the Eighties." The Eighties is an exhibition of young artists from the 80s who've become today's leaders and teachers of the art world. Come check out the exhibition its from Sept. 17- Oct.29

Check Out the Library

Craft in America has a great library with a pretty wide variety of books, magazines, DVDs, and much more. Our library collection contains materials on ceramics, jewelry, design, metal, glass, weaving, and much more. A book in the library that was quite fascinating is Weird California. The book mentions and gives the reader an idea of where the bizarre sites can be located such as; haunted houses, or places, celebrity graves, the Screaming Tree and much more. The book is very insightful; it mentions a lot of history and fun facts. If you want more information on this book or any other books or materials don't be shy to stop by and check out the library or gallery.

Ramona Otto: Found in America exhibition is coming to an end

Craft in America is still exhibiting, Ramona Otto:Found in America. Come check out her creative and clever sculptural pieces about modern America before it's too late. The exhibition is coming to an end on August 20, 2011. Hurry!!! there's still time to check out the exhibition. Hope to see all of you there.

Educational Outreach: 'Imaginary Landscape' picture book made of monotype prints ...

Recently, eleven 7-8 year old children from Park Century School had fun making monotypes with Los Angeles artist Christina Carroll and her small press. The kids expresses themselves with water soluble ink to make landscapes, tying in their curriculum at school. Their original prints were made into an accordion book and given to the school, and each child received a color reproduction of their collaborative book. Happy Summer kids! We loved having their energy and look forward to the Fall.

We want YOU kids! Cool exhibits and creative artists await to work with you, your teachers and your school curriculum. Come play with us here at the Craft in America Study Center!

Sneak Peek: New Craft in America episode premieres May 24th!

Craft in America is proud to announce the latest episode of our Peabody-Award winning PBS series! 

The episode Messages will premiere nationwide Tuesday, May 24th at 8pm. In this episode we will explore how craft artists use their skills to express personal and political view points. Featured are glass artist Beth Lipman, bead artist Joyce J. Scott, New Mexico santero (an artist who creates santos) Charles M. Carrillo, and jewelry and sculpture artist Thomas Mann. To start exploring the theme of messages, check out this clip of curator George Ciscle discussing the work of Joyce J. Scott.

Curator George Ciscle, seated in front of Rodin's "The Thinker" at the Baltimore Museum of Art, explores the messages embedded in various pieces of Joyce J. Scott's work, including the "No Mommy, Me" series and "Man Eating Watermelon".

Learn More About Beth Lipman Here! 
Learn More About Charles M. Carrillo Here! 
Learn More About Joyce J. Scott Here! 
Learn More About Thomas Mann Here! 

Sneak Peek: Romana Otto's Americana Assemblages

Here at the Craft in America Study Center we are prepping for our upcoming exhibition, Ramona Otto: Found in America. Ramona Otto is a local craftsperosn and teacher who uses found materials to create witty sculptural pieces about modern American. Just in time for the summer patriotic holidays, this exhibition will focus on Ramona's  patriotic pieces. 

Ramona Otto's American Childhood

Detail of American Childhood