Evelyn Ackerman, California Midcentury Modern Pioneer, Dies at 88
Author:Lindsey ShookCalifornia design legend Evelyn Ackerman died last Friday, and along with her husband Jerome, she left behind a remarkable body of midcentury modern works. The Ackermans were dedicated to bringing people attainable art while still making a living doing it. “We strove to make things we could be proud of in terms of our design and art backgrounds, but that were viable commercially, that people could afford and get pleasure from putting on their walls or their tables,” said Evelyn.
Evelyn and Jerome specialized in making affordable home accessories, and worked with a number of mediums from woodcarving and textiles to mosaics and ceramics. The couple’s work was inspired by the German Bauhaus art movement, which placed equal importance on fine arts and craftsmanship. They are known to have inspired California midcentury modern style, which remains popular and stylish today.
To honor the Ackerman’s lifelong commitment to accessible design, we assembled the gallery above of some of their most remarkable work. If pictures aren’t enough for you, getting your hands on Ackerman pieces still won’t break the bank today. I found this great mosaic and this amazing woodcarving on eBay, and both are well within reach of the moderately funded collector.
Ackerman is survived by her husband Jerome, daughter Laura and grandson, Aaron. A memorial service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Sunday at Hillside Memorial Park, 6001 W. Centinela Ave., Los Angeles. Visit the Ackerman’s website: ackermanmodern.com
