Evelyn Ackerman’s “Flower Garden” (1958) is composed of glass tesserae tiles. (photo by Dario Diovisalvi, courtesy of Billings Auction)

Craft Contemporary presents the upcoming exhibitions “Material Curiosity by Design: Evelyn & Jerome Ackerman” and “Maker-in-Residence featuring Piece by Piece and Vince Skelly” running from Saturday, Nov. 15, through Sunday, May 10, 2026.

“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, the exhibition sparks a dynamic conversation about materials, innovation and craft.

Born and trained in Detroit, the Ackermans moved to Los Angeles in the early 1950s and set up a studio. The duo epitomized the designer-craftsperson ethos, bridging studio art training with efforts to scale production for broader markets. Over 50 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 – the exhibition offers intimate explorations of the Ackermans’ techniques in different media. The exhibition is curated by Danielle Charlap and designed by Gary Wexler Design.

Craft Contemporary also announced its new Maker-in-Residence program with Los Angeles-based nonprofit Piece by Piece and Southern California artist and sculptor Vince Skelly. Visitors can interact, ask questions and sometimes collaborate with the makers as they experiment with materials and processes, pushing the boundaries of contemporary craft. The residency will challenge the makers to transform the museum’s second floor into a dynamic and immersive workspace.

Piece by Piece artists will invite museum visitors to directly engage with them in creating mosaic artworks using new and repurposed materials. Visitors can explore a variety of mosaic techniques, learn about the art form’s cultural and personal significance and participate in the transformation of individual pieces into larger works that reflect community narratives. From Nov. 15-Feb. 8, 2026, Piece by Piece artists will be on-site Thursday mornings and Saturday afternoons offering a unique opportunity to experience community-based craft making in action.

From Feb. 11, 2026-May 10, 2026, Skelly will transform the gallery space into a recreation of his studio with wood-working tools, sketches and wood works on display. “Vince Skelly – Source Material” is an experimental approach to the artist’s creative process in which visitors gain insights into how he explores the intersection of form, function and collective memory through sculptural practice.

An opening reception will be held on Nov. 15 from 6-9 p.m. Craft Contemporary is located at 5814 Wilshire Blvd. For information, call (323)937-4230, or visit craftcontemporary.org.