The Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art (RAFFMA) at Cal State San Bernardino is pleased to welcome three new exhibitions now on display for the spring 2023 semester: “The Clown in Me Loves You,” “Crafting the Future,” and “You know you see us.”

An opening reception for the exhibits and the featured artists will be held Saturday, Feb. 4 from 5-6:30 p.m. at the museum. RSVP here for the opening reception.

The Clown in Me Loves You

Master glass artists Nancy Callan and Katherine Gray’s six-year collaboration is on view this spring at RAFFMA in “The Clown in Me Loves You.” Long-time colleagues in the glass art world, their friendship, mutual trust, complementary technical skills, and desire to experiment in new directions combined to shape a shared vision. This exhibition was originally organized by the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art chief curator Greg Robinson and associate curator Amy Sawyer.

Joining forces on production and concept, the duo utilized traditional Venetian glass techniques to create poignant works that demonstrate impeccable craftsmanship while contemplating an intersection between artistic mastery, popular culture, clowning and social commentary. This exhibition is a journey through the artists’ experiences and reactions to clowns while also combining their curiosity about the history of hot glass, particularly the early exquisite, and complicated works known as Venetian glass. They studied intricate sculptures and functional objects, including elaborate chandeliers, vessels, goblets, and yes, even clowns. These creations, once steeped in complicated cane patterns and other techniques, have devolved into objects for mass public consumption fueled by industrial processes and tourism.

About the artists

Nancy Callan currently lives in Seattle, Wash. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1996 from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design (Boston, Mass.). Her glassblowing skills were further developed by early studies with glass maestro Lino Tagliapietra at The Studio of Corning Museum of Glass (Corning, N.Y.) and Haystack Mountain School of Crafts (Deer Isle, Maine). Callan joined Tagliapietra’s glassblowing team in 1996 and was a key member for 19 years. In addition to creating and exhibiting her artwork, Callan has taught advanced glassblowing workshops at Pilchuck Glass School (Stanwood, Wash.), Pittsburgh Glass Center (Pittsburgh, Pa.), and Penland School of Craft (Baskerville, N.C.).

Katherine Gray was born and raised in Canada, and currently lives in Los Angeles. She received an undergraduate degree from Ontario College of Art (Toronto, Canada) and a Master of Fine Arts from Rhode Island School of Design (Providence, R.I.). In addition to making art, Gray is a noted glass teacher, writer and curator, teaching workshops around the world. Currently, Gray is the chair of the art and design department at Cal State San Bernardino. Since 2018, she has starred as the resident evaluator on the Netflix glassblowing competition series “Blown Away.”

“The Clown in Me Loves You” is on display now until April 8.

Artist Talk: Nancy Callan and Katherine Gray

Join Callan and Gray in conversation at RAFFMA as they discuss their work and collaboration on Thursday, Feb. 16, at 5:30 p.m.

RSVP here for the Artist Talk with Nancy Callan and Katherine Gray.

Crafting the Future

“Crafting the Future” features exciting work from six emerging Los Angeles-based artists: Rene Camarillo, Terrick Gutierrez, Jamaal Hasef, Kayla Salisbury, Lenard Smith and Jaden Williams. Their exhibit features a variety of mediums, from paintings to ceramics, and even fashion. This cohort of artists have been working together over the last two years at the nonprofit Crafting the Future, an organization that provides educational and professional opportunities to BIPOC artists. This impactful organization, located in South Central Los Angeles and directed by artist Corey Pemberton, has served dozens of young creatives nationwide since opening in 2019.  

“Crafting the Future” is on display now until June 24.

You know you see us.

Pemberton’s recent paintings are featured in a related exhibition, “You know you see us.” Inkjet prints, found textiles and handmade paper are among the diverse materials that bring depth to Pemberton’s mixed media artworks. Grounded in traditional portrait painting, they are masterful compositions of color and pattern. They share an intimate glimpse into his world through the personal dwellings of friends and acquaintances, including people who feel marginalized. In times like these, Pemberton sees the seemingly simple act of taking up space as a form of activism.

The title of his exhibition, “You know you see us,” is taken from a conversation Pemberton had with author Darnell Moore and artist Yashua Simmons the night he captured their reference photographs for their painting, which is featured in the exhibit. The simple, direct statement, “you know you see us,” aims to provoke the viewer and encourage them to see these subjects wholly – to forget what they might think they know about the people in the paintings and give them the time and space they deserve.

About the artist

Pemberton received his BFA from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2012. He has completed residencies at The Pittsburgh Glass Center (Pa.), Bruket (Bodø, Norway), as well as a Core Fellowship at the Penland School of Crafts (N.C.). He currently resides in Los Angeles where he splits his time between a production glassblowing job, his painting practice, and outreach work with Crafting the Future.

“You know you see us” is on display now until June 24.

Artist Talk: Corey Pemberton and Darnell Moore

Join Pemberton and author Darnell Moore in conversation at RAFFMA as they discuss their work and the importance of presence and visibility on Thursday, Feb. 23, at 5 p.m.

Darnell L. Moore is the author of the 2019 Lambda Literary Award-winning memoir, “No Ashes in the Fire: Coming of Age Black & Free in America,” which was listed as a 2018 NYT Notable Book and a Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers’ pick. His writings have appeared in The New York Times Book Review, Vanity Fair, Playboy, VICE, The Guardian, The Nation, EBONY and other publications. He was a host and co-producer on Seasons 1 and 2 of the award-winning podcast, Being Seen. He is vice president of Inclusion Strategy at Netflix. 

RSVP here for the Artist Talk with Corey Pemberton and Darnell Moore.

About RAFFMA
The Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art, nationally accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, houses a collection that includes Egyptian antiquities, ceramics and contemporary art. It hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year. Located at California State University, San Bernardino, RAFFMA presents one of the largest public displays of ancient Egyptian art in Southern California.

The museum offers a variety of opportunities providing valuable hands-on work experience and preparation for future museum-related careers for CSUSB students. We are a great location for hosting corporate events, networking events, meetings and social gatherings, as well as for K-12 school field trips.

General admission to the museum is free. Suggested donation is $3. Parking at Cal State San Bernardino is $3-6 per vehicle, depending on duration ($3 on weekends).

Visit the RAFFMA website to learn more.  

RAFFMA Hours
Monday – Tuesday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Wednesday – Thursday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Closed Friday and Sunday