Sam and Alfreda Maloof Foundation for Arts and Crafts

Description

In 1990, the Maloof residence and woodshop were deemed eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. With the long-planned Foothill Freeway extension set to cut through the Maloof site, negotiations began to save the buildings by moving them to a nearby location. The original location was a working lemon grove and the new six-acre site was chosen partly for the existing lemon trees that help recreate the original environment and also compliment the new landscaping.

Today the relocated residence is open as a living museum. Once again, each room is filled with treasures that give this unique home its spirit. Sam designed a new house that was constructed below the original residence. The woodshops were moved to the new site, as were many of the trees from the former Maloof property. The landscaping consists of a natural garden of water-wise California native plants and compatible plants from other Mediterranean climate zones around the world. Benches, sculpture, and picnic areas offer spaces for visitors’ quiet reflection and relaxation.

The Sam and Alfreda Maloof Foundation, established in 1994, is committed to creating a pre-eminent center that preserves the Maloof’s legacy and fosters the arts and crafts movement. The work of the Foundation recognizes the ever increasing role of the crafts in our world of machine-made products - the reconnecting of human values with natural forms and materials.

A principal responsibility of the Foundation is protection and conservation of the art, furnishings, structures and grounds entrusted to it. The residence itself is one of the most treasured parts of the collection, reflecting the living spirit of the arts and crafts movement throughout. The Foundation also makes the Maloof Center available to the public, artists and researchers and is developing a variety of programs, including visiting craftsmen, workshops, and arts and crafts exhibits. The Jacobs Education Center provides gallery and meeting space.

After the move, Sam continued to create furniture at the new site and to add to his fine art collection that encompasses work from all media, including many renowned artists such as Maria Martinez, Millard Sheets, Harrison McIntosh, Paul Soldner, Kay Sekimachi, and Bob Stocksdale.