Woodworkers throughout the nation have been inspired by the work of
Sam Maloof. His exquisite craftsmanship and sense of design have elevated
functional furniture to the level of sculpture. One of the goals of
Oceanside Museum of Art since its inception has been to focus on developments
in the visual arts in Southern California. It is our pleasure to present
the genius of this extraordinary Californian.
Maloof is a Fellow of the American Crafts Council, has been named
a “Living Treasure of California” by the California Creative
Arts League of Sacramento, and was the recipient of the American Craft
Council’s Gold Medal Award. He received a National Endowment
for the Arts Fellowship Grant and a John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur
Foundation Fellowship.
Born in Chino, California, he served in the U.S. Army during World
War II, and returned to Southern California to marry Alfreda Louise
Ward and begin his woodworking career. His first pieces were made
to furnish their small home in Claremont. In the early 50s they purchased
a lemon grove in nearby Alta Loma where a building used originally
as a chicken coop became his studio workshop.
From this humble beginning Maloof’s reputation grew quickly in
the 60s and 70s when his work was featured in a number of major shows,
including the California Design exhibitions in Pasadena (11 in all),
Objects USA at the Smithsonian, and In Praise of Hands presented by
the World Crafts Council. Today his work may be found in leading museums
and collections throughout the world.
Maloof has chosen to dedicate this exhibition to the memory of his
late wife Alfreda, who played such an important role in his life and
in his remarkable career.
Concurrently with OMA’s exhibition Maloof is being honored by
a retrospective of his work at the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian
Institution.
Oceanside Museum of Art is greatly indebted to Becky and John Moores,
Carlton and Eileen Appleby and to Sam himself for lending pieces from
their collections. Their generosity enables us to present this comprehensive
exhibition.
