Craft Contemporary

Amazing museum showcasing primarily women's art, which isn't the case in most LA museums. Really enjoyed the perfume exhibit, Tea Towel installation and the gift shop!

I visited the Craft Contemporary for an event and loved it. The event was delightful, it was during scent week and perfumers from around the globe were present. The music was 🔥, free samples of drinks and water were available. I walked the museum store afterwards and found lots of cute nick nacks and wares. Parking is off site, good luck tbh. I parked a couple blocks away at a small lot. Haven’t walked the entire museum yet, maybe in the future.

interesting museum with cool art, but it is pretty small. we paid $4 bc we went on a sunday, the museum is so tiny i wouldn’t have wanted to pay much more than that but it’s still worth going.

I visited the Craft Contemporary recently, expecting a typical museum experience. What really caught my attention was the exhibit with recycled materials, especially the art made from saris , it was unique and creative. The woman at the entrance was super friendly and gave me some tips about other galleries nearby. I spent around half an hour there and even bought a small bag of recycled thread from the gift shop. It was a nice little find.

small little museum to pass the time, has a small shop attached, very interesting pieces when i went

Sundays are pay what you can. The museum is fairly small. It’s three floors, but the exhibits are on the second and third floors. Gift shop and free little library are on the first floor. There was a very nice lady working the third floor when we were there. She talked about some of the art and told us about the free little library on the first floor. She also suggested other lesser known museums to check out which was much appreciated. The gift shop has a good variety of items. We were able to find metered parking on a side street. I would say the whole museum could be done in 30 minutes to an hour.

We visited the gallery on Sunday, which offered free admission. However, on weekdays and Saturdays, the ticket price is $9. It is indeed a wonderful gallery to admire contemporary art, and the artist store is also a delightful addition to explore.

Well, I came in for my first time today. Never knew this place even existed. It's located right across from La Brea Tar Pits. I liked the size of their collection, neither too much nor too little. These exhibits are made by artists in California. Admission fee is $9 for adults and $7 for students (with ID). Even the gift shop has descriptions of some items!

Craft Contemporary, formerly known as the Craft and Folk Art Museum, is an often overlooked museum near the La Brea Tar Pits. But it's exhibits are not to be missed. Hosting a diverse range of crafts and artisanal industries, this place is a fascinating place to visit. My first experience with it was quite a while ago when I went to their exhibit on tattoos. As a tattoo collector and enthusiast, I was interested to see what it was like. Besides for conventional things such as pictures of tattoo artists or collections of flash, there were a number of very creative installations. One involved allowing a viewer to sit in a chair and have various flash projected onto your skin...giving you a temporary "light tattoo." I always get excited when I see attempts like these to really bring the viewer into the area of art/academic field. Today, being a rainy and miserable day I found myself again at the Craft Contemporary, but the gallery was closed. However, the gift shop wasn't. This museum may have, hands down, the best gift shop of any museum in Los Angeles. The shear breadth of arts and crafts covered is vast. I saw cards commemorating Gee Bend Quilts (look them up), Furoshiki, traditional Japanese cloths for wrapping gifts and home wares, a large number of beautiful prints and an exceptional library largely devoted to the intersection of arts and culture. The gentleman working in the gift shop was extremely personable and showed me (and another guest) many of the stores most interesting items and was quick with answers to our questions. This is definitely a museum that should not be missed.

On a glorious day in LaLaLand, I decided to run into the Contemporary Craft Museum, formerly the Craft & Folk Art Museum. It was windy but brilliant blue skies and amazing clouds told me that afterward I would have to pop over to my childhood favorite, the La Brea Tar Pits. I wandered into the museum, and was rather disappointed to see a store with contemporary crafts. They had a few mildly interesting items, but I was ready to leave when I spotted stairs for a showing of string art. I thought this is a five minute exercise at least walking up the stairs. When I got upstairs it was a large room with incredible pieces. A German woman joined me and she knew the artist. We were the only two upstairs and we discussed the artists work. One suspended from the ceiling was one piece that she cut into 3. Tremendous detail on this pieces hung by string. After spending a good time in this upstairs room she excused herself and said she had to go upstairs. I didn't even notice any stairs going up to a third floor but when I went to leave I saw that the exhibit continued on another floor up. Thank goodness I didn't leave after I perused what really is a nice gift shop on the main level of this Wilshire Boulevard near La Brea and Fairfax.

As others have also mentioned this place definitely feels more like a gallery than a museum. I feel the same way about this place as I do about the Tar Pits - admission should be free. My friend moved to this area 8 years ago. We've driven/walked by numerous times, but for some reason never bothered to take the time to visit. I finally made it in on museum day right after walking around the tar pits. This is a cute spot. The staff outside were kind enough to explain everything to us as it was our first visit. We started from the top then made our way down and ended at the gift shop. The exhibit we got to see was amazing. One particular stitching piece was so breathtaking. The whole place is fairly small. We were finished within about 15 mins.

Really awesome event celebrating Columbia dance and art!! Of course another great artist on the third floor whose name is Sibio have an entire presentation on her art inspired by her own experience with schizophrenia. Also the gift shop has great gifts!

HOURS: Monday: Closed Tuesday - Friday: 11 am - 5 pm Saturday - Sunday: 11 am - 6 pm First Thursdays: 6 pm - 9:30 pm ADMISSION: $9. $7 for students and teachers as well as seniors (over 65) and children (under 10). Sunday is pay what you can. PARKING: 5750 Courtyard Place Los Angeles, CA 90036. $5 parking is available on Saturday & Sunday from 7am - 8pm for Craft Contemporary visitors. Make sure to pick up your validation coupon from the admission desk after your visit. Enter from Wilshire Boulevard at Courtyard Place (between Masselin and Curson). Structure will be on the right. There is also two-hour street parking within a block of Craft Contemporary. I came on a weekday and was able to easily find two-hour street parking nearby. This is the sort of museum that has constantly revolving exhibitions to showcase various contemporary artists. Each time you go, it's a totally different experience. It's relatively small and I spent a little over an hour here. I took the time to look at everything and read about each artist. I felt like the collection was well-curated and found the pieces really interesting and diverse. Cute gift shop. Located across from the La Brea Tar Pits (I ended up combining my museum visits as the Tar Pits are free for LA residents after 3pm on weekdays).

Nice little art museum across the street, catty corner from the La Brea Tarpits, and the huge multiplex that is LACMA. It can be seen leisurely in way less than an hour. Two levels of many changing artists & featured exhibits so the Craft & Folk Art Museum will not grow stale. There is street parking, but look for all the restrictions. Park on Wilshire Boulevard at the wrong time, your car will be towed away & be given a parking ticket. Reclaiming your car on the same day as it was towed will be around $200 plus & the fine may be close to a $100. Plus paying Lyft or taxi to get to the towing center. Definitely a place for people with specialized interest in the arts. 3+ Yelp stars for those of us not always into esoteric arts & crafts.

I noticed this building right away while I was in the park that houses the La Brea tar pits. It is painted beautifully and definitely stands out. The collection rotates and is very small. When I was there in late February 2018, it was a collection of ceramics... and they were interesting and inventive. So I wouldn't really call this a museum but instead a gallery probably. Although I don't think the pieces were for sale... so maybe a collection? The gift shop was nice and the staff was helpful. The museum is free on Sundays (or by donation). Not sure how often the exhibits rotate. There does not appear to be a permanent collection. Worth it depending on if you're interested in the exhibit of the moment.

The makeover of the old Egg and I into a craft museum we a wonderful idea. We visited during a stitching display. Wow, not your grandmother"s work. Wonderful and friendly hostesses and darling gift store to boot.

No permanent collection in this museum? We're in LA, right? Can someone donate something to this place? What exactly do the curators do here? Global kitsch and busy work..sorry, process work...right, I get it.. When the gift shop is more compelling than the exhibitions, you know there's trouble.

What a tiny gem among giants! Sqeezed in on Wilshire Blvd., between LACMA, the La Brea Tar Pits, an actual segment of the Berlin Wall and the Peterson Automotive Museum is Craft Contemporary. And, how glad you will be if you take the time to find it, move beyond the fabulous gift shop, and appreciate the current exhibits. Most moving was the well curated floor displaying Linda Sibel's work. As an artist who has suffered from schizophrenia, homelessness, and economic fragility her whole adult life, Ms. Sibel invites us to listen, see and speak aloud her art and her world. This interactive show really offers small glimmers into the world of another and brings empathy, understanding, and beauty with it.

Disappointed. I agree with the other reviewers who state this is more like a gallery than a museum. The art/contemporary crafts minimal and parking is difficult. Unless you come to view a particular artist's work, I suggest visiting the many other LA museums in the area. (For instance, LACMA is just across the street).

I agree with some reviewers that Craft Contemporary is more of a gallery than a museum however I don't think that should deter you from visiting. An excerpt from the website reads in part, "Craft Contemporary reveals the potential of craft to educate, captivate, provoke, and empower. With a focus on contemporary art made from craft media and processes, Craft Contemporary presents dynamic exhibitions by established and emerging artists and designers who are often underrepresented in larger art institutions." I feel this is an extremely accurate description of the space and thoroughly enjoyed being exposed to crafted works by not-yet-famous artists and creators. The overpriced, mass-produced feeling of the shop on the ground level was surprising and disheartening to see after having has such a visceral experience with the art pieces on floors two and three of the converted house. I wish the shop was more authentic feeling, as the clay pieces were. Wven though I was in town for the weekend and visited as part of Free Museum Day I would be happy to stop in again when the displays change and will keep this on my list of places in LA to stay updated on!

Great workshops come support ! Came here for a spray painting a spray paint can night and tonight was a galaxy handkerchief one :) Def worth it!

There is something about this quirky little museum i love. I always discover new artists and they never fail to amaze me with their exhibits. If you are in the area and going to see something at LACMA save some time to check out this little gem across the street. $7 admission or pay what you can on Sundays!

Very cool museum on Wilshire. On Sundays it's donation based entry! The current exhibit of faux fur furniture is immersive and unique - perfect for instagramable selfies! The museum has 3 floors of incredible art and sculptures. I'm excited to see what other artists they showcase in the future! It's proximity to the Tar pits makes this museum a perfect pit stop! Get it? Lol. Highly recommend!

TIP: FREE ON THE FIRST WEDNESDAYS OF THE MONTH!!!! Loves: * The awesome public art they have craftily displayed (excuse the pun!) on street light posts, street sign posts, parking meter posts and even the tree! Crocheted delights beautifully accessorized these otherwise, dreary urban icons. * The wonderfully warm and friendly ladies working at this museum. No pressure, no hovering, just a warm hospitality. I should have expected this from a "craft museum." * MAXIMO GONZALEZ EXHIBIT. What talent, creativity, patience, and commitment to his craft! You guys have to see this exhibit before it leaves town. It's his first solo exhibit in LA. Regret: * A little small, therefore they have limited space to display. Otherwise, I bet they will have tons of stuff they can display. I mean, think of all the crafts there are in this country, just from the native Americans, let alone the rest of the world!

(100th review! I'm pressured! I shrink under pressure so don't expect the best review!) I love anything with the term "folk" in it. Folk music, folk tales, folk art, and folks. Okay, actually scratch that last part because I'm not a huge fan of people at all. Sorry! But with that being said, I'm known for liking 'folk' things and therefore, my boyfriend surprised me with a visit to the Folk Art Museum for part of Valentine's Day. The Craft & Folk Art Museum consists of only two levels of gallery-like rooms which each individually displays a separate theme changing every couple months. During my visit, these themes included "The History and Art of Tarot Cards" on one floor and an exhibit on Middle Eastern rugs and yarn work on the other. The Tarot Card exhibit is interesting, even if you aren't a goth occultist that believes a stack of cards can predict your future. The exhibit presented various depictions of the standard cards from the 1800s to 2006 and included descriptions of the history and story of each card. Overall, it was an interesting concept but I was bored and felt like it was on an equivalent level to a history project created by a school student. The Middle Eastern exhibit was a bit less gallery-like and more museum-esque. More detailed and containing actual rugs, costumes, and artifacts from the Middle East dating back a few centuries. The gift shop attached to the museum is cute. In fact, it has cuter folk and craft art than the rest of the museum. Overall, it's a warm place to visit, especially if you are very much interested in the current exhibits (visit their website for a calendar!). But for $5 a person, it might not be worth the little time an average person may spend in the museum. Sadly, I expected much more from this place.

I love museums and all they have to offer,but I have to admit, I wasn't impressed by the Craft & Folk Art Museum. It has a very cute facade, has a great location, across from LACMA, which makes parking more problematic (I park at the Page Museum's lot, is a bit cheaper- $12). The actual museum is very small, I went along with family who came to visit and wanted to see a certain exhibit. The place is cute, quiet, but not a lot to see, so I wouldn't pay $7 for admission here. Sure, now they have pay what you want on Sundays, that might be a good day to go. Unless you're interested in a certain exhibit, I wouldn't recommend. Sure, they have events and it's free for kids to go in so it could be on your maybe list, based on what they have going on. Closed on Mondays. T-F from 11-5. Weekends - 11-6. They offer some better deals for parking. I wanted to like it more, but it's just OK. If you visit LA, skip it, if you live here, maybe.

This is a sweet museum which is perfect to hop into after LACMA, since it's across the street or to just to go on its own, if you're in the neighborhood. It's also a short drive from Marciano Museum. I wouldn't drive hours to visit unless it's for a special event since traffic right now as they are building the subway extension is painful. It's three narrow floors of well curated art - offering unique, beautiful and thought provoking perspectives. The exhibitions regularly change. Do check the website before visiting. Once we went when they were inbetween exhibitions. That was a bummer. On Sundays, it's pay what you can and one can get a free pass via their LAPL's Discover and Go program as well as the county library's Discover and Go program. They offer various classes and workshops for families, individuals, free and paying. They are well worth exploring your inner artist. I've found metered and street parking in the area. Read the tricky signs. Their bookstore has some great potential presents for dinner parties or birthdays.

This place is relatively small, but I still managed to spend a fair amount of enjoyable time here on a Sunday morning; which are by donation only. Parking was also very easy. I parked on the street - just around the corner. The museum had three floors and several interesting exhibits. It's right across the street from La Brea Tar Pits museum and not too far from LACMA if you are a museum hopper like myself.

I think that CAFAM is often overlooked on the LA museum circuit, but it is well worth its price in crafting materials. It's small, like stand in the middle of the room and spin 360 degrees small, but I think the exhibits they bring in are extremely unique and the artists clearly don't take themselves seriously, so the projects are really fun and whimsical. They have a great gift shop that's perfect for finding a little something something that the receiver would be wowed by and will instantly make you look like the ultimate gift giver. I'm also a huge fan of their craft nights (usually one Thursday out of the month) and other special events, so although you can't fathom signing up for one more newsletter to clutter your inbox, this one is not obnoxious and provides an "outside of the box" activity for you to indulge in every once in awhile.

A great way to spend a sunday afternoon. Admission prices on sunday are "whatever you can afford" and the space is bright, warm, and vibrant. The weekend we went was when Marion Estes' had her Natural Diaster exhibit, and it was nice to see a local artist being displayed. Also, the gift shop has some brillant and unique gifts.

This review is on crafts night (AKA Etsy) plus the exhibit by Maximo Gonzalez. When a coworker invited a bunch of us to crafts night here, I was a bit shy. Not knowing quite what to expect, not having a Kindle e-book reader I had to have faith. Better at taking and posting pictures than making crafts, I was reminded of sewing class in high school where I would get stuck somewhere along the way and have to ask the teacher a question. Little did I know what laid before us, a rewarding, supportive, take my mind completely off work experience. Paying the $7 entrance fee, the set up consists of your choice of a drink (beer or a small bottle of water) on an entry way table along with another table of chips/pretzels which you place in a paper bowl. Make your way to the crafts room you chose your seats at the tables. I would suggest getting here early or on time for optimum lighting/choice of materials to work with. Arriving on the later side (because of delicious gourmet tacos our hostess had us dine on beforehand at her home) the crafts night was already in full swing. The staff eagerly welcomed us and gave us a demonstration. There were instructions on the tables with paintbrushes, a bowl, special glue, a glass of water to clean the paintbrush off and a bone folder. Scissors, paper towels and cutting mats rounded out the supplies on the tables. A teenager could do this. I liked the very organized set up. We readied ourselves to embark on a Martha Stewart journey. For those of us who had not brought an old book with us, there were old books to chose from. We were taught how to deconstruct our chosen book. Next we picked out pretty papers and ribbons from their selection and applied those papers to the inner lining of the book with a special glue. Velcro fasteners were added to attach the e-book reader and the end result is what you see (Secret Garden is what one student made). Each of the e-book reader covers were unique and would make a special heart warming gift for an avid bookworm. From there we were encouraged to browse upstairs in the gallery. We were told to take as much time as needed, as they did not believe anyone should be kicked out. The 3rd floor exhibit of the Mexican artist Maximo Gonzalez enthralled me. As I gazed at the walls I felt I could have easily spent another 15 minutes there. Beautiful kitchen aluminum platters/implements (if you like the color silver) lined the walls. Murals of discontinued money designed in cut-out shapes, absolutely fascinated me. Aware that there were others around me, not to mention the staff, I suspect who did want to go home at some point, I decided to return in the near future. That way I could linger at my leisure and browse the gift store too. I encourage you to support this wonderful small but mighty and meaningful museum.

First impression: as I pulled out my wallet to pay admission, I sat my drink on the desk and the gal quickly reprimanded me for not protecting the "old wood." If drinks weren't allowed on that floor, this might make more sense but this desk is the ONE piece of furniture every guest will come into contact with... maybe use something durable? Exhibits were excellent. Loved the CLAY LA event.

This little museum is a diamond in the rough. It's not for everyone. It is very small. In fact it feels more like a gallery than a museum per se. And you are not going to see major art pieces along the lines of LACMA or MOCA. It is a specific type of experience. I would recommend checking out their website with information about the current exhibits before you go. That way, you can decide ahead of time whether the exhibits will interest you or not. I went on a Sunday for a craft lab session with Mimi Haddon. The project (weaving a tree branch with yarn) was inspired by a current exhibit called "Windfall". Does anyone remember the huge windstorm in and around Pasadena in 2011? (I do. I was without electricity for several days...) Well, the exhibit (currently on the 2nd floor) showcased pieces made from fallen trees from that windstorm. The pieces were of excellent craftsmanship. It's inspiring to see such beautiful things created from such a harrowing situation.. I just loved how "Windfall" was born out of a local event. The workshop was fun and it was family friendly. They have a craft lab on every second Sunday of the month, and I plan on attending regularly. I'm one of those people who thinks crafting is therapeutic, so this was right up my alley:) After the workshop, I moseyed up to the top floor to check out the main exhibit, "Theater of Paint" by Gronk. I really liked this exhibit. There was so much to look at. Gronk's style reminded me of Matisse with an urban/tribal edge. The majority of his work has been showcased in theater set design, including plays and operas. His work has spanned at least 4 decades and the exhibit gives you a great retrospective of his career. One of my favorite parts was a stage that was interactive. You could step onto the stage and pick a mask hanging on the wall and take a photo with it against the backdrop of Gronk's vibrant paintings. The masks, all painted by Gronk, were gorgeous...I took photos with several. You could also touch and hold a huge paper mache "brain" that was inspired by a cheesy B horror movie from the 50's called "Fiend Without a Face". The best part was that Gronk himself happened to be there! He walked several of us around his exhibit, talked about his inspiration for his works and shared personal anecdotes from his life and career. It was sooo amazing to meet the artist and get a personal tour. Thank you so much Gronk! Also the docent Kimberly was so cool. Before speaking with Gronk, Kimberly gave me a thorough introduction to many of the pieces. She knew her stuff inside and out. She was the one who even encouraged me to go up on the stage and play with the masks and the "brain". She was super. So, in between the craft lab, perusing the exhibits and speaking with Gronk, my total time at CAFAM was three and a half hours. It was one of the most interesting and satisfying things I've done in a long time. I loved my experience and I loved making art (albeit crafty art) and being with the art and artist. I will definitely be back. It's a real gem.

Finally after 14 years, I made into this museum during operation hours. Today, they featured an exhibition of male quilting artists, Persian photographers, and a mountainous arrangement of felt stuffed toys. The outside museum regularly features "yarn bomb" art (which is the art of embellishing common communal items like fences, bike stands, and benches etc in yarn art). Today's yarn bomb feature is a sign featuring the message, "Black Lives Matter". I really enjoyed the museum despite the multitude of male family members protesting their time spent in this museum of fiber art wonderment. This museum is a must see on Miracle Mile.

I really do love this museum. The Chris Francis in-house show residency is amazing. Chris, a stylish gentleman, is hyper-creative, and has beautiful designs currently on display. Select pieces are for sale, and if you're lucky, you might be able to take a selfie with him. The shop has an amazing "for sale" section with awesome artistic pieces- anywhere from pop can top purses to sculptured heart rocks to handmade jewelry to dinnerware and beyond. Additionally, they constantly have craft projects, and are changing out the window displays with projects and installations, so it's always evolving and changing. Make it a point to stop in, and give yourself time to look around!

I went here because my great aunt had one of her art pieces displayed here as an exhibiting artist. Her section was on the third floor, which dealt with Asian American oppression and learning about the identity of the Asian culture. This is right across the street from the George C Page Museum or what is commonly known as the La Brea Tar Pits. It is hard to see because the museum sign is really tiny. It is sandwiched in between two other buildings. If you're traveling down Wilshire look to your left. My family and I went on a Sunday. The flyer on the window said they were open until 5pm. When you park on Sundays, parking is free so you don't have to feed the meter. You can park on either side on the street and it is meter parking (except Sundays). Admission was not free that day for us and the prices are broken down into different categories. There's the child price which is free (under the age of 10), the student/senior citizens price ($5.00), and adult price ($7.00). There is a gift store, and two more levels of museum. The second level is pretty artsy as someone made a chair using wine corks. The third level usually consists of something that is relevant to the theme of the time frame. Kids might be amazed by what they see but they might get bored because the museum is tiny. This museum is a great place for kids to learn about culture and appreciate different types of art. If you have a creative child, they might like this museum. Come out and visit at least once. It's different from all of the other museums that are in the area.

Their staffs are rude and impolite to us and they are not focused on their job. They asked us pay $9 for gallery fee but they did not put up a sign. It's ridiculous. There is a shop located aside. They overcharge on every items. It's not worth it to go there. It will waste your time.

I love this little museum. It's small, intimate, and they have a lot of unique artists. I have been here several times, and have loved every exhibit I've seen. I even came once for a concert outside which was incredible. Although I love their little shop too, it's too overpriced to get anything. I guess it makes up for the low cost of admission, however. I've had a lot of promos and free passes here, and the first Wednesday of every month is free! The next thing I'd like to do here is take a class. They offer a variety of classes for the craftsy person in you!

Please save your money and time. It took us only about 10 minutes to see the every display. Waste of time and money for the lack of contents. Severely lacking. Go to the automobile museum nearby. You've been warned

I'm going to try to maintain a fair and objective mindset as I write this review. Otherwise, I'd be giving this place one star because I came for an exhibit that was no longer there. We arrived on a sunday which is a "pay what you can" day which I'm grateful for considering I disliked everything we saw. The current exhibit was of an artist infatuated with Chairman Mao Zedong. One of the staff members said she was inspired by a dream where she attacked him with chrysanthemums, how that resulted in more than one piece of art baffles me. The craft was nice (detailed, polished etc) but it was too odd to enjoy. The other exhibit featured enameling (zzz) and we took all of 8 minutes to explore both exhibits. Our favorite piece was the wall with stencils in the hall, that's how much I disliked everything else. When I learned the paper exhibit had moved (they rotate artists every 4 months) I was sad. I wouldn't return to this museum cause frankly, it's super small and the art was unimpressive. I'm sorry to harshly criticize artists and their hard work, but...yeah, it's yelp. If you're planning on visiting, don't base your decision on the photo references on yelp. Check their website and make sure you feel intrigued.

Lets be very clear -this is NOT a museum but rather an art exhibit of sorts. It's an extremely small space and there's nothing "folky" about it. We arrived on Sunday at 11am when it opens and spent 20 minutes there looking at the 4 different artist concepts of clay. 20 minutes was really taking our time and checking our email too. On Sundays the "museum" charges a donation entrance fee so we paid $10 for the both of us. Regular price is $7 a person. Let me tell you how disappointed I was having paid $10! It's not worth it. If you happen to be there with nothing to do then maybe but otherwise skip it and go across the street to the Tar Pits.

Sorry that it is not Craft and Folk Art any more. If it were still that, it could also have the 'contemporary' art I believe. Or does it have to be old to be 'folk' art? No, I don't think so. I just looked up the definition. I think it's pandering now and clique-ish. I think there's a place for the un-known artist here, without being the urban artist. The art could be more global as it has in the past. I'm not a critic. I am an appreciator and interested observer of most art, but I may be blasted for my backward thinking. I just used to enjoy the diverse and heart-warming 'tales' the folk art delivered.

I have always been drawn to visit CAFAM by the intriguing spillover of art onto Wilshire Blvd. I remember driving by their yarn-bombed trees thinking, "That place looks so cool." Just looking through the Yelp photos, I see how many great exhibits I missed over the years due to procrastination. I was finally able to stop in. It was a blustery Sunday and I decided to go check out some art. I am so glad I did. There was a brilliant exhibit by local artist, Keiko Fukazawa, based on her experiences in China. While CAFAM is small, the exhibits are interesting and unique. Plus, they have an awesome gift shop where you can purchase fine arts and crafts made by the artists in the exhibits!

Since they were the only place I hadn't been before that was participating in Free Museum Days this past weekend, we made it one of our stops on our museum crawl. Normally admission is $7 adults, $5 seniors/students, and frankly after checking out the two small galleries of okay art, I was glad we went on a free day as other Yelpers are suggesting to do in their reviews. From what I was hearing from all the people walking around the main gallery on the third floor, you either love this place or come away unimpressed/disappointed. I was crocheting at the crafts table they had set up with my friends in our own informal Stitch-N-Bitch group and hearing so many people's comments just echoing off the walls. For some reason, several people thought we were a part of the exhibit and either stopped to watch or simply said, "Ew, crocheting is for grandmothers," and walked away. Some saw all the yarn and needles, got excited, and sat down to do their own project. Pretty much what entertainment I derived from the museum could have been achieved by picking up a couple skeins of yarn at Michael's. The current exhibitions didn't capture my interest. I imagine if there was an exhibit I might be interested in in the future, I'll hit them up again on the first Wednesday of the month, when they offer free admission. If you've never been before, I recommend coming one of those Wednesdays to get a feel for the place and see if this is the sort of thing that interests you.

Lovely space. Staff is kind and always willing to educate on exhibits. They have a little free library and the best gift shop around.

A cozy little museum on Museum Row, small enough that I feel it could be easily passed by on accident. Admission is a very reasonable $7 (the woman at the desk asked if I had a AAA card, which I did, although it doesn't reduce the admission fee, so I'm not positive why she asked. However, it resulted in my being offered chocolate gelt, and that's a sure win). We were there to see the tattoo exhibit. I was actually surprised at how much they managed to get into the space, and without managing to make it feel crowded. I thought the exhibit itself could have been more comprehensive, but it was still interesting and the video they'd done had a lot of information. The security guard up there was friendly and told us right away to feel free to take photos so long as we didn't use flash. Craft nights downstairs that anyone can participate in? That's really awesome. Most museums aren't that interactive, especially for adults. Some cool stuff in the gift shop, neat toys for kids.

What a find! I discovered the CAFAM because I saw they were having a free day during the Miracle Mile Art Walk. I immediately (and naively) asked for a map and the docent said you won't need one, we are only 2 floors. While it's true this museum is small, they have interesting exhibits to offer. I don't know about you, but when I hear the words "folk art," I immediately think of quilts and woven baskets. To my surprise, what I saw was Soviet-era art and Mexican subversive pieces reflecting currency, education, cultural change and social history. I very much dug both these exhibits. I found the museum to be very accessible and whimsical. I was really impressed with how much of the Mexican art was created with everyday objects like money. It's nice to know there is a museum so close to me that's doable when I only have a small amount of time to spare. Plus, they have a really unique gift shop with loads of handmade jewelry, clothes, housewares and books. There is 2 hour street parking nearby, which is free. Just watch the signs and you'll be fine. You can see this museum within an hour. I love that the art extends to the street and saw people working on some fabric stars on the gate when I was entering.

Very interesting place. Free every Sunday! The lady who seemed to be in charge was a little rude when ushering people in and out, but overall I had a good experience.

I came here on the January Free For All day so the museum admission was free. And it's a good thing it was because I can't imagine paying $7 to come here. It's a very small museum. There is a large exhibit room on the third floor, and a tiny gallery on the second, and one large installation on the first where the entrance is. The exhibits themselves were engaging enough, but nothing exceptionally riveting. When I came there was a quilt exhibit on the third floor, and a photography exhibit on the second (which is less craft, and more just standard art in my opinion). The quilting exhibit was interesting in that the techniques of the artists were all very different, but after a few quilts I became a little bored. I'm not sure that I'll return, but I'd say it is worth one visit, especially if it's a free one. I may go back for one of the classes they offer though since those seem fun, and much more craft-oriented than the museum itself.

I actually found this place while looking up things to do in LA and this was definitely a small gem! Parking is only on the streets, so it most likely requires some walking from around the corner, but it's nothing too crazy. I went on a Sunday when they had the pay what you wish going on. I donated the student price since that is what I was going to pay anyways. When you first walk in, there is a small gift shop to the right and a shelf of free books for the taking. They're mainly old, but you never know what you might find! The hostess was a very sweet lady and she briefed my friend and I on how we might like to form our route and encouraged us to take a selfie at the selfie sculpture. She also talked to us about the wall of books which was really cool to see. Some of the stuff was a little weird because it was made by regular people, but it kept things interesting. The photography was amazing in the guest exhibit and I definitely had a great time and will tell people about it!

CUTE! Find cute jewelry & toys here and buy them as gifts for your grandma! Do check out the upstairs for weekly or monthly art installations or exhibits. I enjoyed the craft class they had last week. Serving beer as we made duck tape beads for necklaces and keychains under the los angeles stars was super cool. Great class to bond with friends and mom =) I will definately be attending again next month. $5 to make super cute crafts! Shhhhh.. but i herd Yuko mentioning somthing about adding a sewing class and a knitting class too!!

Do you like seeing pots made out of cardboard or random crap made out of recycleables? Then go here. Some of the stuff is cool, some of it is just dumb. Very small gallery w/ an outdoor patio. I went here for a craft night making duct tape bracelets. It was the lamest thing I've ever been to in my life.

What an amazing find! I had an hour to kill yesterday (Sunday) before meeting someone at a restaurant on Wilshire, so I browsed my GPS for nearby attractions, and CAFAM popped up. I called, and it was my luck that they were open until 6pm on Sundays! Even better that I found meter parking (free on Sundays) and when I walked in, admission was free as well! (on Sundays). The first floor has an amazing gift shop - great finds for the person who has everything. The second floor was a one-room exhibition of awesome artwork by Mithila women in India. The work was on handmade paper and depicted everything from marriage rituals, to married life, to feelings about aborting female fetuses, to 9/11, AIDS and beyond - truly amazing works! The 3rd floor was a larger room containing countless dioramas and really cool three dimensional pieces that looked like they were made of items collected on endless treasure hunts of attics and old trunks - SO interesting! If you have an hour or 2, please stop and support this LA treasure!

5 stars But what is this "Free to reserve but must pay 8$"?! I've never heard any establishment have this rule!!

Cute museum. I believe they remodeled not too long ago since the space looks fairly new. Went last year for the first time to see the "Tigers and Jaguars: LA's Asian-Latino Art Fusion" exhibition, which was a cool but small collection, I did go ninja style and took some photos even though I wasn't suppose to. kekeke, you know that's how I roll or should I say California roll, okay I'll stop even I admit that was lame. ;p I believe KCRW members get discount of some sort. My friend treated me. SCORE! 8)

Came here right at 11 and waited 10 minutes today but they still weren't open. It doesn't say it's closed Wednesdays anywhere. Extremely disappointed :(

This is a great local museum, that's not at all the financial or time investment LACMA can be. When a friend from out of town wants to hang, but only has a couple hours, this is quality entertainment for less than $10. In fact, students are just $5! That makes it easy to pop in whenever there's a new exhibit. Currently, there's an amazing installation called "All Creatures Great and Small" by Jennifer Angus. Everything is made from insects!!! Beautiful, strange bugs pinned to the wall or arranged in a funeral procession. You have got to see it for yourself, it alone is worth the price of admission. Even if I'm not checking out the gallery, the gift shop is one of the best in the area, filled with both local handmade items and curiosities from around the world. If I'm ever in need of an interesting present, this is the first place I look. Most stuff is affordable or at least worth the asking price. I have only one suggestion: make better use of your outdoor space!!! More art, a garden, anything is better than the boring concrete you have now.