SAH/SCC welcomes
Laura Ackerman-Shaw, who will give an overview of her parents’ influential work
based on the new book Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman: California Mid-Century
Designers (Pointed Leaf Press, 2025). Jerome (1920-2019) and Evelyn (1924-2012)
were the (other) prolific artist-couple central to the development of
mid-century design in Southern California. They presented modernist craft—in
weaving, carving, ceramics, tapestries, and mosaics—and made it accessible to
the middle class.
Their works were celebrated for the
combination of bright colors and craftsmanship, with an artisanal attention to
detail. Ackerman-Shaw, having discovered new material in her parents’ archives,
expands their legacy and impact on post-war design in America. In the fall,
their work will be featured in the exhibition “Material Curiosity by Design:
Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman, Mid-Century to Today” at Craft Contemporary in Los
Angeles.
Ackerman-Shaw spend 35 years in
publishing prior to establishing Ackerman Modern to steward her parents’ design
legacy through exhibitions, publications, and licensing. She sits on the
advisory board of Manitoga/Russell Wright Design Center . On May 29, 2025, she will be doing a book signing in West
Hollywood at CB2. Ackerman-Shaw received both BA and MA degrees in English
literature from Stanford University (Palo Alto, CA).
Ackerman-Shaw
on Ackerman—Sunday, June l, 2025; 1-2:30 PM Pacific; $5. Go to www.sahscc.org and pay via PayPal; or
mail in order form on Page 6 with check; Zoom link sent upon registration. NOTE:
Included is a link to the recording to view at your leisure.
