It’s a wrap! “Material Curiosity by Design” ended its six-month exhibition on a high note yesterday. To everyone who visited the show, thank you. The feedback has been amazing. We are so grateful to @craftcontemporary and executive director @rodyn.lopez and the entire team who made the show happen. The incredible curator @dcharlap (now @wolfsonian ) masterfully crafted an intimate yet expansive exhibition about the Ackermans and their process and designs, bringing together their work with select contemporary pieces. Brilliant installation design by @garywexlerdesign allowed the 200+ objects to shine. The connection between @vince.skelly wood work, @jolienope 3D printed ceramics, and @porfirio__gutierrez handwoven textiles created a dialogue across decades. It was an honor to be part of the nationwide @handwork2026 . So appreciative of all those who lent objects to the show, some of which have been on the same families for 70 years! Thanks to the sponsors for financial support: @pasadenaartalliance , @cb2 , William B. Stern Trust, @wrightauction , @ragoauctions , @heritageauctions , @lacountyarts , Jules Bernard Kester Trust, and @theloftatlizs . It’s been a great ride and Evelyn and Jerry would have been so delighted. 🧡#evelynackerman #jeromeackerman #museum #craftcontemporary #midcenturymodern
Nestled in a custom Book Stool by @vince.skelly made from walnut, the book “Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman: California Mid-Century Designers” occupies a place of honor in the lobby @craftcontemporary . The book serves a companion to the “Material Curiosity by Design” exhibition. Thanks all the enthusiasm, the gift store has sold out all of their copies! But you can still get a copy from @pointedleafpress , @arcanabooks , and @amazon ! #evelynackerman #jeromeackerman #craftcontemporary #book #midcenturymodern
After you check out the art @metrolosangeles@metro.art.la at the D line, go see the colorful show on Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman @craftcontemporary this weekend. #losangeles #craftcontemporary #evelynackerman #jeromeackerman #metrolosangeles
Small moments of beauty and grace. An experimental glaze by Jerry on one of his Jenev vases. It’s the last weekend to see “Material Curiosity by Design” @craftcontemporary . #jeromeackerman #craftcontemporary #evelynackerman #californiadesign #handwork2026
“Together they spoke the language of materials, hoping to communicate a simple idea: the beauty of a well-made thing.” You can see for yourself @craftcontemporary , “Material Curiosity by Design” last day is Sunday, May 10. Thanks @heritageauctions for featuring the Ackermans recently @heritageauctionsdesign and to @christianneteague for the lovely essay! #heritageauctions #evelynackerman #jeromeackerman #craftcontemporary #midcenturymodern
Last week to see “Material Curiosity by Design” @craftcontemporary ! And it’s a jam packed one with contemporary artists onsite: @vince.skelly on 5/7 and @porfirio__gutierrez on 5/9 and 5/10. Curated by @dcharlap and designed by @garywexlerdesign . Open today and Weds-Sun 11-5. #craftcontemporary #evelynackerman #jeromeackerman #californiadesign #eames
A sunny day in CA in more ways than one. Someone was lucky enough to buy from @gabysgaleria ! #evelynackerman #jeromeackerman #midcenturymodern #californiadesign #craftcontemporary
Spotted @downtownmodernism today! Why not head to @craftcontemporary on Wilshire after the show to see “Material Curiosity by Design” which is only open for two more weeks! Last day May 10, open Weds-Sun 11-5. #evelynackerman #craftcontemporary #downtownmodernism #jeromeackerman #midcenturymodern
We are fortunate to present eight works by Evelyn Ackerman and Jerome Ackerman in our May 1 Modern Design auction, including this standout Campesina Tapestry.
Designed in 1969 and produced for more than a decade, Campesina was among the couple’s most popular works—for good reason. It encapsulates several defining aspects of the Ackermans’ practice while also capturing the spirit of California Modernism. Evelyn Ackerman’s design features a simplified, geometric female figure holding a bowl of fruit, rendered in her distinctly whimsical style. Fields of saturated color and subtle variations in texture further enrich the composition.
Pioneers of global artisanship, the Ackermans partnered with a multi-generational family of weavers near Mexico City to produce their wall hangings, using threads dyed in Germany. This was a truly global enterprise—one that demonstrated how handcraft could remain both affordable and accessible in the modern era.
Campesina Tapestry remains a iconic and defining work within the Ackermans’ oeuvre, having been widely exhibited and published. It has appeared in exhibitions such as Eventually Everything Connects (2025) at the Cranbrook Art Museum and Material Curiosity by Design at Craft Contemporary (on view until May 10), and is featured on the cover of Hand-in-Hand by Dan Chavkin and Lisa Thackaberry. An example is held by The Henry Ford.
This is an exceptionally beautiful example of the work, with steadfast, saturated colors. The slight variation in certain colors due to threads from different dye batches, most noticeably the deep blue rectangle in the lower right corner, is a poignant reminder of the handmade nature of the work.
Lot 67051
Evelyn Ackerman Campesina Tapestry, 1969 Hand-woven wool
Link in bio to browse and bid.
“The work of Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman is buoyant, joyous and effervescent. It is alive with color and energy and leaps off the walks and into your heart.” Thank you @lamag senior editor Chris Nichols @nixols for your generous comments on the Ackermans’ designs and their exhibition @craftcontemporary ! #lamag #evelynackerman #jeromeackerman #moderismweek #craftcontemporary
