Patch Blog: Art in Our Own Backyard

If the line for the preview was any indication, The Huntington’s exhibit The House That Sam Built: Sam Maloof and Art in the Pomona Valley, 1945-1985 will be a popular one. In the past, critics drew a line between what they called fine art and craft. Luckily those old rules have changed, and I defy anyone to view the work of this master woodworker and not be impressed by Maloof’s sense of design and clear love affair with his medium of choice.

You can see over three dozen of the artist’s most memorable works, including his double music stand and the breathtaking cradle he made for his grandchild. The gallery has been set up to give the visitor a true mid-century feel by including artwork  by Pomona Valley artisans who knew and worked with Maloof.

The show includes ceramic pieces by husband and wife Gertud and Otto Natzler, and paintings by Millard Sheets, Phil Dike and Karl Benjamin.  Fine examples of copper enameling by Jean and Arthur Ames are on display along with some unusual fiber art by Kay Sekimachi.

But it’s Sam Maloof’s gorgeous furnishings that steal the show. Although this exhibit nicely dovetails with the public’s current interest in mid-century modern design, Maloof’s work transcends time.  His spare lines speak to the 1896 edict of American architect Louis Sullivan, “form follows function.” 

Maloof, the child of Lebanese immigrants, began his studio practice after serving in the army during World War II.  In the PBS documentary series “Craft In America,” he joked“I never wanted to have a boss again!” Sam and he along with his wife Alfreda, set up their home and studio in Alta Loma, California,  is now a museum open to the public. Lifelong learners will recall Pomona Valley’s rich reputation as an artistic think tank during the fifties and sixties, with the Claremont Colleges at the nucleus,

When you visit the Huntington show, which runs through January 30, 2012, be sure to look for the side gallery that displays Maloof’s furniture patterns.  You can see his pencil notations on the templates and some examples of his process are available for you to touch.  Interactive video screens are located in this space as well.

The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens are family friendly.  Young children can enjoy short spurts of art education enhanced by a romp through one of the lush outdoor gardens or water play in the enchanting Children’s Garden.  Older children will wonder at the transformation of a piece of wood from tree to chair. 

The Maloof show is presented in conjunction with Pacific Standard Time: Art in LA 1945-1980 , an unprecedented effort sponsored by The Getty.  More on that next time!

Check out the guide to free museum days in Greater Los Angeles.