Material Curiosity by Design explores the prolific careers of midcentury designers Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman in dialogue with select works by three contemporary artists. Celebrated for their vibrant contributions to California modernism, the Ackermans partnered for decades on bold designs that brought warmth to midcentury interiors. Showcasing their ceramic, textile, mosaic, wood, and metal creations alongside new works by Porfirio Gutiérrez, Jolie Ngo, and Vince Skelly, this exhibition sparks a dynamic conversation about materials, innovation, and craft. 

Born and trained in Detroit, Michigan, the Ackermans moved to Los Angeles, California, in the early 1950s, where they set up their studio. The duo epitomized the designer-craftsperson ethos, bridging their studio art training with efforts to scale production for broader markets. Over fifty years, they designed a diverse body of work ranging from colorful mosaics and wall hangings to graceful ceramics and wood carvings. Featuring final products along with preparatory materials—many of which will be shown for the first time—this exhibition offers intimate explorations of the Ackermans’ techniques in different media. It invites visitors to consider the interplay between design concepts and material sensitivity that underpinned the couple’s success.

At Craft Contemporary, the Ackermans’ creative practice is presented in relation to that of a new generation of California-based artists who engage deeply with a single material. Recent works by Gutiérrez, Ngo, and Skelly expand the exhibition’s investigation of the relationship between art and making. Bringing together historical and contemporary voices, Material Curiosity by Design illuminates the ongoing appeal of attending closely to medium in craft practices.

This exhibition is curated by Danielle Charlap and designed by Gary Wexler Design.

A new 256-page book, Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman: California Mid- Century Designers (Pointed Leaf Press), will accompany the exhibition. In addition, the museum will offer a full schedule of public programs and interactive workshops.

As part of Material Curiosity by Design, Craft Contemporary’s Maker-in-Residence program will transform the second floor into a studio, gallery, and creative workspace. Exhibiting artist Vince Skelly (February 11 – March 8, 2026) will share his creative process through sketches, wall sculptures, mosaics, and experimental works in wood, while mosaic arts non-profit Piece by Piece (November 15, 2025 – February 8, 2026) will invite visitors to contribute to a collaborative mosaic artwork.

This exhibition is supported, in part, by The Pasadena Art Alliance, The William B. Stern Revocable Trust, CB2, Rago / Wright, Heritage Auctions, The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Department of Arts and Culture, The Julius Bernard Kester Trust, and The Loft at Liz’s.

This exhibition is part of Handwork 2026, presented by Craft in America.

Hero Image: Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman, Flower Garden, glass tesserae tiles, 1958. Photo by Dario Diovisalvi, courtesy of Billings Auction.