Arts
Mingei Making Meaning
M
ingei International Museum is all about making
this year while they are undergoing a major
renovation of their Balboa Park location. They
are coiling, shading, blending and mending
materials from malleable polymer clay and
wooden figurines, to upcycled magazines, torn chambray and
more. Together we are creating beautiful mingei objects, “art of
the people, handmade for everyday use and enjoyment.”
For the New Year, goal-setting daruma dolls helped kids
kickstart their resolutions at their Family Sunday Pop-Up held
at Logan Heights Library, while Mingei Makers participants
shaped decorative bowls from vintage publications at their
Liberty Station location. For Valentine’s Day, Maru Lopez brings
her handcrafted jewelry to Shop Mingei on February 9, where
guests can assemble DIY bouquets with fresh blooms from
Huntress Florals, perfect for gifting.
Next-level crafters will swoon over the new Mingei Masters
series, featuring an expert lineup of talented textile designers,
jewelry makers and sculptors. Master weaver and dyer Sarah
Winston is the first to lead a multi-day workshop at Liberty
Station titled, “Wild About Color.” For those who prefer
cocktails along with inspired crafting, Crafter Hours returns
next month, pairing DIY projects with tasty light bites and
refreshments. Ted Galvez of Jyumoku will lead participants in
a sashiko (fabric mending) craft, and Joan Green will share her
broommaking skills.
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Mingei also takes making to schools regionwide through its
Mingei Away and Professional Development Workshops—guiding
both students and educators to build a stronger art studio
practice. Kids engage with objects from the Museum’s collection,
while educators learn artmaking techniques inspired by Mingei
exhibitions and applicable to classroom curricula.