Six new exhibitions bring contemplation, muse, and playfulness to Mingei International Museum this spring. Soaring on the tailwind of their most recent success, Blue Gold: The Art and Science of Indigo, Mingei is preparing to set the bar high once again. “Made in community, and guided by the care and scholarship of our curatorial team, we proudly introduce a lineup of exhibitions that honors our mission to celebrate and dignify cultural diversity through craft and design,” Jessica Hanson York, Executive Director and CEO shared with GB Magazine.
Fashioning an Icon: Virgin of Guadalupe Imagery in Textile Design celebrates the Virgin of Guadalupe’s representation on clothing and adornment. From traditional garments created by over 70 artists from Mexico to a selection of local artistic interpretations of la Virgin, these works explore the Virgin of Guadalupe’s endurance as an iconic cultural symbol fashioned through creative expression. April 5 – September 7, 2025
Student Craft is a biennial exhibition featuring the work of local high school art students. Drawing inspiration from Fashioning an Icon, students are invited to create work exploring the visual themes of what makes a figure an icon through a variety of craft forms. April 5 – August 17, 2025
Historic Footprints: Native American Ledger Drawings from Fort Marion is organized collaboratively with faculty and students from UC San Diego, members of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, and the Kiowa Tribe. This exhibition explores hand-drawn sketches made by Cheyenne, Kiowa, Arapaho, Comanche, and Caddo tribal members that were taken as hostages and incarcerated without trial in 1875 in St. Augustine, Florida. Including more than 20 works from archival ledger books and 13 works by living Indigenous artists, these drawings bear witness to history and continue to inspire new generations. April 12 – August 17, 2025
Across the Spooniverse presents over 100 spoons from across the globe (including Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas), exploring traditions of home, family, community, and culture that are associated with their use. Crafted from a variety of materials such as gourds, shells, animal horns, clay, wood, metals, and plastics, spoons are utilitarian objects that are also works of art, design, and craft. April 12 – August 17, 2025
Layered Narratives: Quilted Stories of Gender & Race at the 1876 Centennial examines a major historic event, the United States’ 1876 Centennial, looking at quilts from the era to discuss representation, socio-politics, absent voices, and unheard stories. Packed with various symbolisms and meanings, the Centennial quilts featured in Layered Narratives give insight into the contributions and voices of Black women and the Black community at the exposition. This exhibition expands the historical lens, revealing overlooked and underrecognized stories that exist in parallel with the Centennial quilts. May 17 – November 16, 2025
Tuck and Roll: The Art of Armadillos showcases over 80 armadillo figures from Mingei’s permanent collection! Featuring works made by artisans across the Americas, this playful installation emphasizes the joy of making things by hand and how these extraordinary creatures have delighted people’s imagination. May 24, 2025 – January 11, 2026
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