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September 13, 2007

SAM MALOOF: THE WOODWORKER, THE FURNITURE, THE MAN

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – Envision wood – refined, contoured and smooth to the fingertips, organic furniture, crafted with the soul of inspiration. Examine chairs similar to those used by presidents Carter, Reagan, and Clinton. Experience the furniture of Sam Maloof, master wood worker.

The Sam Maloof exhibit, on display at Cal State San Bernardino’s Robert V. Fullerton Art Museum from Jan. 26 through May 17, 2008, will share the story of Maloof, as told by his life’s work.

Maloof’s furniture embodies a simple yet elegant beauty that is absolutely breathtaking. “I want to be able to work a piece of wood into an object that contributes something beautiful and useful to everyday life,” he says.

Inspired by Maloof’s most treasured space – his home, the exhibition at CSUSB’s Fullerton Art Museum will present a total of 30 pieces of furniture along with photographs, models, patterns and drawings from various periods of his long career.

Maloof’s work defies the conventional practices of today’s furniture making, as he believes in hand crafting each piece, making it unique.

“It is amazing how one chair begets many,” he says. “But each chair is designed individually. It is a living thing.”

The Robert V. Fullerton Art Museum and the CSUSB art department will partner to provide a program of events accompanying the Maloof exhibit. A series of lectures, awoodworking demonstration and a VIP reception, to celebrate Maloof’s 92nd birthday are scheduled.

For more information on the Maloof exhibit and related events, contact the Robert V. Fullerton Art Museum at (909) 537-7373 or by e-mail at artmuseum@csusb.edu, or visit the Web site at http://museum.csusb.edu.

Maloof, Rocker

Photo Credit: Gene Sasse Photography

Sam Maloof

Maloof, Stairs

Photo Credit: Gene Sasse Photography

About the Robert V. Fullerton Art Museum

The Robert V. Fullerton Art Museum, home to what is considered the finest public display of ancient Egyptian art west of the Mississippi River, is located on the campus of California State University, San Bernardino. Established in 1996, the Fullerton Art Museum has accumulated a collection of nearly 1,200 objects focusing on ceramics, ancient and contemporary art; the largest of which includes some 500 pieces encompassing more than 4,000 years of Egyptian history.

Admission is free. Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., closed Sunday and Monday. Parking: $4 per vehicle. Phone: (909) 537-7373.

For more information on Cal State San Bernardino, contact the university’s office of public affairs at (909) 537-5007 and visit http://news.csusb.edu.

artmuseum@csusb.edu