Museum Of Craft And Folk Art San Francisco
The Museum of Craft and Folk Art in San Francisco is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving traditional art and crafts from around the world. The museum's collections span a wide range of media, including textiles, ceramics, wood, metal, and glass, as well as contemporary art and design.
History
The Museum of Craft and Folk Art was founded in 1982 by Gertrud Parker, a collector and scholar of traditional crafts. Originally located in a small storefront in San Francisco's Union Square, the museum moved to its current location in the Yerba Buena arts district in 2004.
Over the years, the museum has hosted numerous exhibitions and events showcasing traditional crafts from around the world, as well as contemporary art and design. The museum's mission is to promote the understanding and appreciation of traditional crafts and folk art, and to inspire creativity and innovation in contemporary art and design.
Collections
The Museum of Craft and Folk Art's collections include over 2,500 objects from around the world, representing a diverse range of cultures and traditions. The collections are organized around several themes, including textiles, ceramics, wood, metal, and glass.
Some of the museum's most notable objects include a collection of African textiles, a selection of contemporary ceramics by Japanese and American artists, and a collection of Mexican folk art. The museum also has a significant collection of contemporary art and design, including works by Bay Area artists and designers.
Exhibitions
The Museum of Craft and Folk Art hosts a variety of exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing traditional crafts, folk art, and contemporary art and design. Many of the exhibitions are organized in partnership with other museums and cultural institutions, both locally and internationally.
Recent exhibitions at the museum have included "Vlisco: African Fashion on a Global Stage," which explored the history and cultural significance of Dutch wax-printed textiles in West and Central Africa, and "The Global Africa Project," which showcased contemporary art and design from Africa and the African diaspora.
Education and Outreach
The Museum of Craft and Folk Art is committed to promoting the understanding and appreciation of traditional crafts and folk art through education and outreach programs. The museum offers a variety of programs for all ages, including workshops, lectures, and tours.
The museum's outreach programs include partnerships with local schools and community organizations, as well as traveling exhibitions and educational materials for use in the classroom. The museum also offers internship and volunteer opportunities for students and community members interested in pursuing careers in the arts.
Visit
The Museum of Craft and Folk Art is located at 51 Yerba Buena Lane in San Francisco's Yerba Buena arts district. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm, and admission is free for members and children under 12. General admission is $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and students with ID.
The museum is easily accessible by public transportation, with several bus and light rail lines stopping nearby. There are also several public parking garages and lots in the area.
Conclusion
The Museum of Craft and Folk Art in San Francisco is a unique institution dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional crafts and folk art from around the world. With its diverse collections, engaging exhibitions, and innovative education programs, the museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the arts and culture of the world.
