SAM MALOOF WOODWORKER

Although Maloof furniture has been displayed in dozens of exhibitions over the years at museum venues nationwide, no previous exhibition has been more ambitious in its efforts to chronicle Maloof’s lifelong journey as an artist and craftsperson. The exhibition will be organized thematically in four gallery spaces offering insights into Sam’s art, mentors, innovations and lasting impact. 

In the course of his career as a woodworker, which spanned more than half a century from 1949 till his passing in 2009 at age 93, Maloof produced more than 5,000 furniture works and was widely celebrated as the foremost American woodworker of his time.

The exhibition has been in development for almost three years and draws on the diverse perspectives of an experienced curatorial team. Key advisor for the project is Catherine Gudis, Associate Professor of History and Director of the Public History Program at University of California, Riverside. Maloof board member John Scott, who has previously curated seven exhibitions at The Maloof, has worked closely with exhibition designer John Fleeman of California State University, San Bernardino, to bring Sam’s story to life.