Welcome to Embellish Me!
A dazzling exhibition from the Collection of Norma Canelas and William Roth.

This exhibition celebrates artists who were part of—or inspired by—the Pattern & Decoration movement, a joyful, imaginative, and vibrant chapter in contemporary art. These artists explored ornament, craftsmanship, decoration, and beauty at a time when the art world often dismissed them. They responded to the prevalent minimalist trend with maximalist panache. They embraced the fun and wonder of art, not giving a thought as to whether it was “high art” or “low art.” These artists weren’t interested in playing it safe — restrictive rules were overturned and they opted to celebrate the thrill of abundance, joy, and a little bit of chaos. They reveled in the handmade and affirmed that the human impulse toward pattern, color, and decoration is universal.

As you explore the exhibit, let your eyes delight in lavishly painted canvases, intricate embroidery, and opulent gold foils, and mosaics—visual feasts as indulgent as the finest desserts.

To hear from the artists featured in Embellish Me, scan the QR codes located throughout the exhibition using the camera application on your mobile device.

The Currier Museum of Art is grateful to the production team who produced this audio component.

All recordings cannot be used without the express permission from the Normal Canelas and William Roth collection.