FIRED

Last Thursday, I visited the Contemporary Jewish Museum with my Academy of Art University class. The institution never disappoints with its impeccable thought-provoking exhibits. In addition, the museum works diligently to provide tours and resources for educators. One of the best in the San Francisco Bay Area!

Cara Buchalter, the Schools Programs Manager, provided an intelligent and engaging tour of artist Annabeth Rosen’s current exhibition. According to the Contemporary Jewish Museum’s website: “Annabeth Rosen: Fired, Broken, Gathered, Heaped is the artist’s first major museum survey and chronicles over twenty years of her work in ceramics. The exhibition features more than 120 of Rosen’s most influential and dynamic works, never before exhibited in her home base of Northern California are both early and recent ceramic sculptures that range from the diminutive to the monumental, as well as largescale works on paper that mirror the trajectory of her sculptural practice.”

Annabeth Rosen: Fired, Broken, Gathered, Heaped is an incredible curatorial feat. The artist is prolific with a practice spanning decades layered with conceptual depth and prowess. Entering the gallery, artworks become a visual feast within an expansive communal display. Paying homage to Judy Chicago’s The Dinner Party, Rosen’s works are a fearless recollection and collection.

As a force of nature and titan, Rosen’s background reinforces that notion. From the artist’s website: “Born in Brooklyn, New York, Annabeth Rosen received her BFA from NYS State College of Ceramics at Alfred University and her MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art. After graduate school, Rosen taught at SAIC, RISD, and Bennington College, while participating in residencies, at the Bemis project in Omaha, Watershed in Maine. Since 1997, she has taught at the University of California Davis holding the Robert Arneson Endowed Chair. Rosen has received multiple grants and awards, Pew Fellowship, two National Endowment for the Arts Fellowships and a number of UC Davis Research Grants.”

The Contemporary Jewish Museum continues to be a leader in vision and opportunity for the entire community. As an educator, this is a mandatory visit for my students. As an artist, the institution inspires by highlighting diverse and dedicated practitioners. Annabeth Rosen: Fired, Broken, Gathered, Heaped on display till January 19th, 2020!