Accomplished artists in their own right, Evelyn + Jerome Ackerman created a variety of home decor that became synonymous with the California Mid-Century modern aesthetic.

Textiles became a focal point in the ERA Industries line, with Evelyn creating her first tapestry design, Hot Bird, in 1957. Over the next 25 years, a steady stream of constantly evolving designs were introduced. From silk-screened to handwoven to hand-hooked, their wall hanging designs were produced by skilled craftspeople from around the world. 

Join Textile Center in welcoming Evelyn + Jerry’s daughter, Laura Ackerman-Shaw, as she talks about her new book that details her parent’s incredible legacy. The evening will feature a presentation on ERA Industries textiles, a brief Q+A, and book sales + signings by Laura. This program is created in collaboration with Docomomo US/MN and the Goldstein Museum of Design. 

Thursday, April 24, 5 - 7 pm
HYBRID EVENT

• In-person at Textile Center, 3000 University Ave SE, Minneapolis
• Online via Zoom

Ticket options: Free in-person or online registration (no book included), or a $75 book purchase - which includes in-person event registration.

Limited books will be available for purchase at the event.

Artist Bio:

Laura Ackerman-Shaw (she/her), the daughter of Jerome and Evelyn Ackerman, received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English literature with honors from Stanford University. After more than 35 years in publishing as a director of design, editorial, production, and translations, she established Ackerman Modern. Laura stewards her parents’ design legacy through exhibitions, collections, programs, publications, and licensing. She has presented widely, authored numerous articles, and serves on a Manitoga/Russell Wright Design Center advisory board. In 2020 Laura established the Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman Endowed Scholarship at Wayne State University, Michigan, and the Jerome Ackerman Endowed Internship at the Alfred Ceramic Art Museum, New York, for undergraduate art students. Born in Los Angeles, she resides in the Bay Area.