Artist Talk: Reuben Foat and Ryan Taber
On the occasion of the exhibition, Building Blocks: Process & Wood, Los Angeles-based artists Reuben Foat and Ryan Taber will talk about their shared interest in reconsidering historic furniture processes and their perspectives on furniture education approaches and opportunities. Both artists were consulted for the Craft Video Dictionary.
To join the Webinar, please register.
Reuben Foat is a furniture designer and sculptor who is recognized for his traditional and technological approach to furniture. Finding inspiration in both old and new approaches to making, Foat creates much of his work using technologies like computer-aided-design and computer-aided-manufacturing.
Foat was raised in Mukwonago, Wisconsin and attended the University of Wisconsin where he received a BS in Art and learned furniture design. Foat then took on several positions as a cabinet maker, furniture restorer, and furniture designer before attending San Diego State University where he received his MFA with a concentration in furniture design and digital fabrication. Foat currently works out of his studio in Long Beach, California, while serving as a professor and chair of the Woodworking Department at Cerritos College.
Ryan Taber is an artist, woodworker, and educator. Since 2015, he has served as head of the Wood program at the School of Art at California State University, Long Beach. The program has continued to evolve under Taber’s leadership, emphasizing sustainability and critical thinking at every step in the creative process.
Taber’s art practice is discursive, drawing on painting, photography, sculpture and furniture making. Each piece utilizes an intricate web of historical references to interrogate notions of art and visual culture. The work considers historical shifts in social perspectives on objecthood and materiality, which is reflected in the CSULB Wood program’s initiative to up cycle wood from nearby dead trees in order to reduce the industrially produced materials used by students. The challenges inherent in working with imperfect, recycled wood encourage Taber’s students to continuously problem solve and maintain an ongoing dialogue with their materials.
Artist Talk: Larry White
Join woodworking artist Larry White for a talk on his development with Sam Maloof and his ensuing decades-long practice. Learn about his stream-of-consciousness creative process and how his inspiration comes from a wide range of sources.
Please email rsvp@craftinamerica.org to attend in person.
To join via Zoom please register.
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Building Blocks: Process & Wood Opening Reception
Please join the artists to celebrate the opening of this exhibition featuring new interpretations of wood in traditional methods. This exhibition presents objects that express contemporary perspectives while having been constructed through a variety of techniques that have been the essential building blocks for shaping furnishings over time.
Participating Artists: Reuben Foat, Martin Alexander, Ryan Taber, Lauren Verdugo, Larry White and Max Wilson
Building a miniature bowback chair
Miniaturist Mark Murphy shares his process for creating intricately detailed miniature furniture. Bonus video from the MINIATURES episode
Building Blocks: Process & Wood
In celebration of the launch of the new Craft Video Dictionary (CVD), Craft in America is organizing an exhibition of woodwork and furniture-based sculpture made by the artists who were consulted and filmed for CVD definitions. The exhibition will consist of approximately two dozen recent works made by seven leading artists in the field who are based across Southern California. Ranging in styles and perspectives, these artists are unified by their dedication to formal innovation coupled with profound understanding of materials and techniques.
The fundamental techniques of woodworking are age old and yet they remain vital in current practices. Artists conceptualize new structures, design how they can be actualized, and execute them with the methods that have largely existed for centuries. In some cases, equipment, tools, and gear have changed. But for the most part, craft approaches remain similar or identical to historic methods for manipulating wood. What has shifted is the expressive input of the artists and their fresh take on functional objects. This exhibition presents objects that were constructed through a variety of techniques that have been the essential building blocks for shaping furnishings over time.
Participating Artists: Martin Alexander, Reuben Foat, David Johnson, Ryan Taber, Lauren Verdugo, Larry White, and Max Wilson
About the Craft Video Dictionary:
The Craft Video Dictionary is a new digital tool for understanding how objects are made. Launching in early 2024 with an initial exemplary array of video definitions that span media, material, process, and discipline, the CVD will continue to expand and develop over time. New, additional video definitions will be added at later intervals in 2024 and beyond. Especially for those who are not makers or artists, the CVD provides a chance to gain awareness about the crafting of objects, in real time. These educational videos are intended to clarify, elucidate, document and explain craft techniques.
![Larry White rocking chair New Home, craft in america](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/NewHome-1105.jpg)
![Martin Alexander Hernandez, Craft in America](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Hernandez-Florecita.jpg)
![Lamp by Lauren Verdugo, Craft in America](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Lauren-Verdugo-A-Nice-Place-to-Put-my-Glasses-N.Carolina-Soft-Maple-Milk-Paint-2023-Penland-School-of-Craft-Penland-NC-scaled-1.jpg)
![Ryan Taber wood sample](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/TaberSample3.jpg)
Virtual Gallery
Click and drag, or use your arrow keys, to see a 360º view of the virtual space.
Mark Murphy segment
Miniaturist Mark Murphy shares his process for creating intricately detailed miniature furniture. We travel with him to the Chicago International Miniatures Show and connect with his community of other remarkable miniature artists. Segment from the MINIATURES episode, now streaming on the PBS App, pbs.org/craftinamerica, and craftinamerica.org. PBS broadcast premiere December 29, 2023 (check local listings).
Mark Murphy shows us his miniature furniture
Miniaturist Mark Murphy shows us his miniature 1/12th scale furniture made in collaboration with Annelle Ferguson, Lee-Ann Wessel, Mary Grady O’Brien, and Pat Richards. Bonus video from the MINIATURES episode, now streaming on the PBS App, pbs.org/craftinamerica, and craftinamerica.org. PBS broadcast premiere December 29, 2023 (check local listings).
Spirit of Play: Craft and Imagination
For artists, play can mean serious work. Play allows the mind to roam and encounter unusual solutions, whether it be in process or concept. The processes of making and imagining work in tandem for these artists, where grand, exquisite, whimsical and magical forms emerge from diligent exploration.
This exhibition celebrates the power of imagination, big ideas, craft ingenuity, and the child in all of us. It spotlights the work of several artists who are profiled in the 2023 episodes in Craft in America’s PBS documentary series, PLAY and MINIATURES.
Participating artists:
- Miniaturist Mark Murphy
- Paper sculptor Roberto Benavidez
- Piñata artist Lorena Robletto
- Puppeteer, artist museum educator Schroeder Cherry
- Artist, advocate, educator Calder Kamin
The PBS broadcast premiere for PLAY and MINIATURES is December 29, 2023 (check local listings).
Virtual Gallery
Click and drag, or use your arrow keys, to see a 360º view of the virtual space, including tags with object information and images.
![Craft in America, Spirit of Play installation](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/IMG_0608-edit.jpg)
![Craft in America, Spirit of Play installation](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/IMG_0613-edit.jpg)
![Craft in America, Spirit of Play installation](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/IMG_0578-edit.jpg)
![Craft in America, Spirit of Play installation](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/IMG_0575-edit.jpg)
![Craft in America, Spirit of Play installation](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/IMG_0602-edit.jpg)
![Craft in America, Mark Murphy](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Mark-Murphy-Asian-Furniture-Display-tea-pot-by-Troy-Schmidt.jpg)
![Craft in America, Mark Murphy](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Mark-Murphy-Painted-Country-Furniture-Display-ceramics-by-Jane-Graber-and-Lee-Ann-Wessel.jpg)
![Craft in America, Mark Murphy](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Mark-Murphy-Queen-Anne-Display-Tea-set-made-by-Lee-Ann-Wessel.jpg)
![Craft in America, Schroeder Cherry](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Schroeder-Cherry-Future-Voter-Series-Mail-2023-Mixed-media-on-wood.jpg)
![Craft in America, Schroeder Cherry](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Schroeder-Cherry-Future-Voter-Series-29-Splash-Girl-2023-Mixed-media-on-wood.jpg)
![Craft in America, Schroeder Cherry](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Schroeder-Cherry-Future-Voter-2-2021-Mixed-media-on-wood.jpg)
![Craft in America, Schroeder Cherry](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Schroeder-Cherry-Barber-Shop-Series-35-Shoot-2019-Mixed-media-on-wood.jpg)
![Craft in America, Schroeder Cherry](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Schroeder-Cherry-Future-Voter-19-Leap-2022-Mixed-media-on-wood.jpg)
![Craft in America, Schroeder Cherry](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Schroeder-Cherry-Juanita-2022-Rod-puppet-wood-metal-fabric.jpg)
![Craft in America, Schroeder Cherry](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Schroeder-Cherry-Juanita-detail.jpg)
![Craft in America, Schroeder Cherry](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Schroeder-Cherry-Dallas-Dan-2010-Rod-puppet-wood-metal-fabric.jpg)
![Craft in America, Calder Kamin](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Calder-Kamin-Fox-Fire-2021-waste-plastic.jpg)
![Craft in America, Calder Kamin](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Calder-Kamin-Rubbish-Rat-2019-waste-plastic.jpg)
![Craft in America, Calder Kamin](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Calder-Kamin-Lupin-Lupin-2023-waste-plastic.jpg)
![Craft in America, Calder Kamin](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Calder-Kamin-Snake-Plant-2022-waste-plastic.jpg)
![Craft in America, Calder Kamin](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Calder-Kamin-Goldenrod-2023-waste-plastic.jpg)
![Craft in America, Roberto Benavidez, Gynandromorph Piñata No. 8 (Purple-crowned Fairy Wren), 2023](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Benavidez-Gyandomorph-8-IMG_1004_edit_.jpg)
![Craft in America, Roberto Benavidez, Dracula Parrot, 2020](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Benavidez-Dracula-Parrot-IMG_0964_edit_.jpg)
![Roberto Benavidez, Comedores de Huevos (Bird No. 4) (American Robin), 2023](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Benavidez-American-Robin-IMG_1025_edit_.jpg)
![Craft in America, Roberto Benavidez, grouping of Gyandomorphs](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Benavidez-Gyandomorph-grouping-IMG_1009_edit_.jpg)
The Craft in America Center is supported, in part, by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Department of Arts & Culture. www.lacountyarts.org
![](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/COUNTYartsandculture_blue-1.png)
Larry White
Larry White is an artist, educator, and furniture maker based in Southern California. White met Sam Maloof in 1962, and the two began a lifelong friendship based on their mutual love of art. White went on to apprentice with Maloof for seven years as his first studio employee. He would ultimately spend 29 years of his career collaborating with Maloof in some capacity.
White took his first position as an educator in 1969, teaching crafts, jewelry, furniture design, and metalworking at Cal State Fullerton. He relocated within California at various points in his career, always maintaining a multidisciplinary studio art practice. He describes his creative process as stream-of-consciousness, drawing inspiration from a wide range of sources.
White currently maintains ceramics and multimedia studios in Pioneertown, CA. He has been an artist-in-residence at the Sam and Alfreda Maloof Foundation since 2016.
![Larry White wood sheet music stand](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/007-LarryPhotoPrints005-DeNsShp-.jpg)
![Wooden object designed by Larry White](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/026-LarryPhotoPrints023-DeNsShp-1.jpg)
![Larry White rocking chair New Home](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/NewHome-1105.jpg)
![Larry White side table glass top wood base](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/CCMA-Larry-070-Edit.jpg)
![Larry White 2023 Headshot portrait](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/LarryWhite2023Headshot.jpg)
Lauren Verdugo
Lauren Verdugo is a Southern California-based artist, woodworker, and furniture designer. Verdugo began their formal training in 2016 by apprenticing with master woodworker Larry White, whom they met through an internship at the Sam and Alfreda Maloof foundation. They went on to complete their BA in Applied Design at San Diego State University in 2021, and are currently enrolled in Long Beach State University’s woodworking MFA program.
Verdugo’s designs emphasize the unique attributes of their source material, including history, meaning, and physical features. Minimalist forms are punctuated by playful decorative elements. Verdugo rhythmically juxtaposes hard and soft lines, heavy and light features, resulting in works which appear sturdy, yet distinctly energetic. Their award-winning work has been published in a variety of regional craft periodicals. In addition to their multimedia arts practice, they teach wood workshops at the Sam and Alfreda Maloof Foundation in Alta Loma, CA and at Allied Woodshop in Los Angeles, CA.
![Lauren Verdugo Rocky Raccoon wood stool](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/VerdugoLaurenRockyRaccoon.jpeg)
![Pins and Needles side table with drawer by Lauren Verdugo](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/PinsandNeedlesVerdugoLauren.jpeg)
![Chair with wood and recycled metal by Lauren Verdugo](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/VerdugoLaurenSeatofReflection.jpeg)
![Lauren Verdugo Wood Stool In the Cross Hairs](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/InTheCrossHairs.jpg)
![Lauren Verdugo portrait 2023](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/LaurenVerdugoPortrait2023.jpg)