Gallery of Functional Art

The question most frequently asked about the Gallery of Functional Art is: "Is it a museum?" Despite the fact that all of the objects exhibited here are either one-of-a-kind or limited editions, the answer is "no". Every object on display is available for purchase. With a rotating exhibition schedule that changes every two months, the gallery annually mounts six theme shows, solo shows, and group shows, each with a different focus.

At GFA, the term "functional art" and "art furniture" are used interchangeably to denote objects ranging from tables and chairs to beds, sofas, lighting, screens, dressers, and even bathroom fixtures. Running the gamut from folk to fantasy, from comfortable to conceptual, and from baroque to minimalist, these inspired creations are the work of artists, architects, designers, and craftmen from every part of the US and many foreign countries. Not only do they all have highly individualistic interpretations of furniture, but they are also paper, concrete, metals--even feathers. Concurrent with each show, GFA also exhibits smaller functional art objects from jewelry and watches to flatware, candlesticks, ceramics, and glass.

Since 1988 when the gallery opened, GFA director Lois Lambert has become an international authority on functional art, and the gallery has won widespread recognition as one of the major resources for work of this kind. At any given moment, though, the objects on display are only the tip of the iceberg. Lambert maintains a slide registry of work by hundreds of artists and is happy to help clients commission pieces designed expressly for them. Another service she offers is assisting clients in integrating art furniture into their homes and businesses.

As many collectors have discovered, functional art is still an enormous value--perhaps the best buy in the art world today. In many cases a handmade, personally commissioned piece will sell for the same price as one that is mass-produced. A crusader at heart, Lambert calls functional art "the underdog of the art world. I want to show people that this blend of fine art, craft, and function is an authentic artistic expression."

"The place where art and furniture come together", is how Metropolitan Home describes GFA. It is also the place where a generous dose of fun brightens a challenging mix of form and function.

Gallery of Functional Art
Bergamot Station
2525 Michigan Ave. E3
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Tel: 310-829-6990
Fax: 310 829-5707

Gallery of Functional Art - Info