Mingei International Museum

Jennifer Findley, Chair of the Museum's Board of Trustees and a huge fan of Mingei, spoke with us about her enthusiasm for our efforts to uplift the artists of today. "As an art advisor and an advocate for living artists, I am especially excited about Mingei’s dedication to celebrating contemporary craftspeople who share fresh perspectives through the traditional mediums of folk art and craft. Exhibitions like 'Pi?atas: The High Art of Celebration' and 'Blue Gold: The Art and Science of Indigo' are rooted in our mission to cultivate a space for today’s artists to explore powerful narratives that address important and timely issues." Visit the link below to to read more from Jennifer, and support Mingei in continuing to help our creative community thrive by bring dynamic exhibitions to our region! ??

Last week, Mingei's Director's Circle members took the generous opportunity to visit Tao of Clay in Barrio Logan. Ceramicist Josh Herman demonstrated his process and gave an informative tour of the studio with Studio Manager Ava DeCapri and Rachel Herman. Many thanks to the Tao of Clay crew for providing a thoughtful, inspiring experience! ?? We'll be coming back for more at their upcoming sale on 12/14 from 2-8pm — a perfect opportunity for some holiday shopping!

Learning from Carmen Artigas this season has been such a gift! She's brought new light to "Blue Gold" that illuminates our understanding of indigo dye in the present day. ??

Can potters save the world? In our talk this Friday with ceramic artist Yuliya (Iuliia) Makliuk, explore sustainable approaches and techniques in artisanal ceramics. Yuliya will share her research on the carbon footprint of ceramic making and reflect on ways in which potters can reconcile a passion for handmade ceramics with the pursuit of a greener, more just society. ?? Coffee & Conversations ??? Friday, November 15 | 10:30am-11:30am ??? $10 Members | $15 Non-members ?? RSVP at with the link below Yuliya Makliuk is a ceramic artist, activist, and author committed to tackling today’s most urgent issues—environmental crises, social injustice, and war—through her artistic practice. Yuliya is a Ukrainian artist visiting the USA as part of an art residency with Prof. Julia Galloway at the University of Montana, sponsored by the CEC ArtsLink Fellowship.

Introducing Mingei's new Creative Director, Caitlin Mello! Cait joins our team with over two decades of creative industry experience as a graphic designer, editorial editor, illustrator and fine artist, website designer, arts educator, and creative director. She is deeply committed to the mission of making art inclusive and accessible through collaboration and a community-driven perspective. Outside of work, you can find Miss Mello adventuring with Marley, her 16-year-old daughter and greatest love. She loves Pablo Neruda, red lipstick and a perfect juicy mango. If you see Cait studying the gallery space or sketching a new design idea, feel free to say hello! ??

?? Community Spotlight: To honor Día de los Muertos, we've collaborated with Sherman Heights Community Center and local artists Yvette Roman and Francisco Soto to create this altar dedicated to the many artists who continue to inspire us all! ??? Dia de los Muertos Altar ??? On view now until November 15 The Sherman Heights Community Center is committed to its community through the continuation of neighborhood traditions including Día de los Muertos celebrations. Since 1994, the community center has celebrated Día de los Muertos with onsite community altars, craft workshops, festivities, neighborhood altars, a candle-light procession and more.

After four years as Creative Director, our beloved Patricia Cué has retired from her role at Mingei. Apart from her impactful work in the Marketing and Design department, Patricia is known as an inspiring thought partner, steadfast leader, and delightful friend. We wish her a restful retirement, and we look forward to seeing her back at Mingei as an honored guest! ??

With summer's end around the bend, we want to take a moment to look back at the past month at Mingei. September was significant with the opening of a new exhibition, workshops for hands-on making, and learning opportunities in every corner of the Museum. Thank you for visiting and being a part of Mingei's story this month and beyond! September at Mingei: ?? Opened "Blue Gold: The Art & Science of Indigo" and welcomed over 2,500 visitors, including 200 new or renewed Mingei members ?? Learned the joy of making with workshops like Mini Mingei, Dye Together, and Family Sunday ?? Grew our knowledge of indigo's past and present with Art Break Lectures and an Oxidation Demonstration ?? Celebrated our design community with San Diego Design Week (Photo Credit: San Diego Design Week) ?? Wrapped up the month with full hearts and an eagerness to see what the rest of the year holds For more folk art, craft, and design, visit Mingei.org

After last weekend's brilliant opening of "Blue Gold: The Art and Science of Indigo," our Mingei team is filled with gratitude! Not only were we impressed with everyone's blue ensembles, we were in awe of the ways in which our community came together to celebrate an exhibition five years in the making. To be surrounded by craftspeople, scientists, family, and friends is an honor we hold dearly. Thank you for celebrating with us and continuing to visit during "Blue Gold." There is always more to learn and love at Mingei!

Design inspiration is always alive at Mingei, especially during San Diego Design Week! You're invited to gather across San Diego for community-driven installations, panel discussions, workshops, and presentations exploring the theme of?‘Belonging.’ ?? San Diego Design Week 2024 ??? Thursday, September 19 - Wednesday, September 25 ?? Visit SDDesignWeek.org to explore programming. World Design Capital San Diego Tijuana 2024 presents World Design Experience powered by San Diego Design Week.