media release - Mingei International Museum

MEDIA RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACTS
HEATHER KERNER
CLAIRE MCKEE
(619) 704-7504
(619) 704-7517
hkerner@mingei.org
cmckee@mingei.org
MADE IN AMERICA
CRAFT ICONS OF THE 50 STATES
San Diego, CA – MADE IN AMERICA — Craft Icons of the 50 States is the final
exhibition presented as part of Mingei International Museum’s 18-month long
series AMERICAN ICONS. Curated by Director Rob Sidner, this exhibition is over
two years in the making, and includes a traditional and contemporary iconic
artwork to represent each of our 50 states. These objects of American pride
and spirit come from Mingei’s permanent collection as well as loans from private
collections, historical and research centers and fine arts museums across the
country. MADE IN AMERICA offers visitors from far and wide a chance to add
their own personal craft icon to an interactive regional map and celebrate the
craft art that makes up our creative traditions.
“It all started on a vacation trip to Kauai seven years ago. I kept admiring
outrigger canoe paddles that appealed to me as simple, beautifully made, useful
forms. I got thinking how a paddle could stand as an expressive icon for the State
of Hawaii; but so, too, could a ukulele, a pineapple quilt or a Kou wood bowl for
poi. I wondered whether there might be such well-designed objects of use that
could serve as icons of craft traditions for other states in America. That germ
of an idea has blossomed since into a full-blown, major exhibition.”
– Rob Sidner, Director
This exhibition of old and new craft icons highlights distinctive materials,
excellence of workmanship and makers’ imaginations. It explores the variety
of craft found throughout the nation while expressing each state’s unique
contribution to the richness of the American experience. Highlighted objects
will include Sam Maloof’s signature rocking chair from California, Karen Karnes’
lidded jar for the salt glazed pottery tradition of Vermont, Henry Petzal silver for
a contemporary take on Massachusetts’ centuries-old silver-smith tradition, Dale
Chihuly glass from Washington State and a Louis Comfort Tiffany long-necked
glass bottle representing New York.
On view September 19, 2015- February 21, 2016
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MADE IN AMERICA will be the eighth and final exhibition in Mingei International
Museum’s 18-month exhibition theme AMERICAN ICONS – Celebrating Folk
Art, Craft and Design from Coast to Coast. Just as the 1915 Panama-California
Exposition in Balboa Park celebrated the connection of the country’s east
and west coasts through the opening of the Panama Canal, beginning in June
2014 and throughout 2015 Mingei International Museum will mount a series of
exhibitions to celebrate the imagination, inspiration and innovation of Americans
who have for more than three centuries created stunning works of folk art, craft
and design – our shared American Icons.
AMERICAN ICONS is generously sponsored by Just Folk
Hi-res images available upon request.
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ABOUT MINGEI INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM
Located in San Diego’s Balboa Park, Mingei International Museum collects,
preserves and exhibits “art of the world, art of the people,” including folk art,
craft and design from all eras and cultures of the world. A non-profit institution
funded by admission, individuals, and community support, the Museum offers
inspiring exhibitions and diverse educational programs to more than 100,000
visitors a year. Institutional support for Mingei International Museum is provided
in part by the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture.
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