Who knew that a grain of rice could inspire a work of art? At the Mingei International Museum in Balboa Park, the exhibition “Farm to Craft” celebrates the world’s most humble staples — corn, wheat, rice, quinoa and oats — and the endless creativity they have sparked across cultures.
Drawn from the museum’s Permanent Collection, this free-spirited show explores how grains shaped communities and the craft born around them: tools to harvest and process, vessels to store and serve, and whimsical figures and fashionable creations made from straw, husks, chaff and the grains themselves. Each piece proves how necessity and a craftsman’s artistic eye meet to produce clever, beautiful results.
On view through November 15, “Farm to Craft” is a perfect family stop in Balboa Park: playful, colorful and full of surprising ideas. The museum at 1439 El Prado is open Tuesday through Sunday, with extended hours on Fridays. Tickets range from free to $15 — an easy excuse to spend a happy day surrounded by art and good ideas.
Photo: Balboa Park
