Characterized by warm-toned woods, pairings of rough, earthy textures with repurposed industrial metals, and a post-war invigoration for hand-crafted arts, mid-twentieth century features captivate design lovers in Southern California and beyond. At Mingei International Museum, three exhibitions showcase major elements of the Midcentury Modern scene: Inside the Design Center, Boundless: Reflections of Southern California Landscapes in Midcentury Studio Ceramics, and Restitched: Feed Sacks in Mid-Twentieth Century Quilts.
“This fall, Mingei spotlights artists who were the vanguard of mid-twentieth century craft and design in Southern California,” Jessica Hanson York, Executive Director and CEO shared with GB Magazine. “Post-war optimism, the landscape’s beauty, and evolving manufacturing and technology contributed to a moment of expansive creativity.”
Ilse and Lloyd Ruocco’s Design Center, located in the Hillcrest neighborhood of San Diego, was a foundation for the modern design community of the 1950s, ‘60s, and ‘70s. Inside the Design Center brings to life a vignette of mid-twentieth century interior, lighting, and furniture design, featuring pieces by significant California designers, manufacturers, and craftspeople as selected by Ilse Ruocco for her 1950 showroom. Historic images of the Design Center set the backdrop for over 30 original pieces of modernist home furnishings. Works by designers such as Ray Eames, Charles Eames, Greta Magnusson Grossman, Dorothy Schindele, Milo Baughman, and Edith Heath of Heath Ceramics are included. September 6, 2025 – April 12, 2026 | Curators: Guest Co-Curators Dave Hampton with Steve Aldana and Todd Pitman
Showcasing 150 objects from Mingei’s permanent collection, Boundless explores the work of Midcentury ceramicists from Southern California. This show calls to lovers of nature and ceramics, branching into the science of ceramic glazing and experimentation during the mid-twentieth century. Viewing these hand-crafted vessels through the lens of Southern California landscapes – physical, political, and social – provides a larger context for appreciating Midcentury Modern ceramics, experimentation, and influences. September 27, 2025 – June 7, 2026 | Curator: Guusje Sanders
In Restitched, seven colorful quilts made from feed sacks highlight the resourcefulness of early mid-twentieth century makers. In the 1930s and ‘40s, people affected by the Great Depression repurposed feed sacks – cotton bags used to package bulk dry goods – to make domestic items like quilts and clothes. Commercial manufacturers printed feed sacks with vibrant patterns and prints, giving rise to the incredible phenomenon of handmade feed sack textiles. This collection celebrates the ingenuity and creativity of feed sack quilters. November 22, 2025 – May 10, 2026 | Curator: Guusje Sanders
Mingei International Museum invites you to immerse yourself in Midcentury Modern home furnishings, ceramics, and textiles. These exhibitions are accompanied by programs, curator lectures, and docent-led tours offered weekly on Fridays. Purchase exhibition-related treasures in Shop Mingei and discuss your favorite objects on view over a stunning dining experience with ARTIFACT at Mingei.
Located in San Diego’s Balboa Park Cultural District, Mingei celebrates human creativity through multicultural works of folk art, craft, and design. Inspired by the Japanese mingei (art of the people) movement, Mingei cares deeply about design functionality, handmade craft, and bringing out the creativity that lives in all of us.
www.mingei.org
