Wendy Maruyama, an innovative artist and educator whose work has redefined contemporary craft, is being honored with the Gold Medal for Consummate Craftsmanship at the American Craft Council Awards. Maruyama’s career spans over 40 years, with work blending traditional woodworking, feminist ideologies and social activism.
Her notable series, such as Executive Order 9066 and The wildLIFE Project, explore themes of history and environmentalism. Her works are exhibited in prestigious museums worldwide, including the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
"When I received the ACC Fellows acknowledgement in 2008, that alone made me happy: it was something I aspired to because all of my former professors and colleagues whose work I admired had walked through that door", said the artist well known for her woodworking craft.
Wendy Maruyama’s Body of Work:
1970s-1980s: Maruyama began as a groundbreaking figure in furniture design, being one of the first two women to receive a Master’s degree in furniture making from the Rochester Institute of Technology. Her early works were heavily influenced by feminism and personal narratives, expanding the boundaries of traditional craft by integrating conceptual and sculptural elements.
1990s: In her The Tag Project: Executive Order 9066 series, Maruyama explored the Japanese-American internment camps during World War II, blending historical reflection with craft, and addressing themes of identity and cultural memory. This series established her as a leading voice in combining craft with activism.
- 2000s-2010s: Maruyama’s later projects, such as The wildLIFE Project, took a broader turn, addressing environmental issues and the endangerment of elephants, highlighting her role in social practice and advocacy for wildlife conservation. Her works became larger and more installation-based, reflecting her growth as an artist deeply engaged with global concerns.
2020s: Continuing to push the boundaries of her field, Maruyama has influenced generations of artists through her teaching and her dedication to sustainable craft practices. Her art can be found in international collections, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Maruyama shared with the Daily Press, "Receiving the gold this year nearly blew me over, and even more so alongside Nick Cave and Ann Wilson, whose works are amazing, I was truly not expecting that. I am grateful for this and it is especially rewarding as it means that I am being acknowledged by my own peers, which adds that much more meaning."
Honoring the 2024 Award Recipients:
In addition to Maruyama, the gold medal for consummate craftsmanship will also be awarded to:
• Nick Cave, known for his multidisciplinary work merging visual and performance art.
• Anne Wilson, recognized for her textile-based installations.
2024 Fellows
• Syd Carpenter, Michael A. Cummings, Einar and Jamex de la Torre, Douglas Harling, Susie Ganch, Kiff Slemmons, Delores Fortuna and Cristina Córdova.
Award of Distinction
• JoAnn Edwards, Executive Director of the Museum of Craft and Design in San Francisco.
• Carol Sauvion, creator of Craft in America the PBS documentary series.
Aileen Osborn Webb Award for Philanthropy
• Charles Duddingston, recognized for his philanthropic contributions to the craft world.
Notable Past Recipients
The American Craft Council Awards have a rich legacy, honoring luminaries like Sam Maloof (1985), Peter Voulkos (1979), Toshiko Takaezu (1994), George Nakashima (1989) and Ruth Duckworth (2002). These artists, like Maruyama, have left an indelible mark on the craft world.
This year's celebration will feature a two-hour program followed by a toast, recognizing the visionary contributions of each honoree. To learn more about Wendy Maruyama’s work, visit her official site. For details on the awards and registration, visit the American Craft Council Awards Celebration.
editor@smdp.com
