Crafted Beauty: The Lipton Family Gift to LBMA

The Long Beach Museum of Art has a long-standing tradition of showcasing artists working with wood as their primary medium. In celebration of the Museum’s 75-year exhibition history, the complete collection of 45 woodworks donated in 2009 by Dr. Irving and Mari Lipton—renowned collectors of contemporary wood art—will be on display.

Dr. Lipton’s passion for wood art began in 1972 when he purchased his first piece, a jewelry box by Michael Graham, at the Westwood Art Fair for 35 dollars. This acquisition ignited a lifelong pursuit, leading him to assemble one of the most significant collections of postwar woodwork. The exhibition highlights masterful works by influential artists such as Bob Stocksdale, Frank E. Cummings, Ron Kent, Hayley and Todd Hoyer, Brenda Behrens, and others.

Featured Artwork: Victor Wood, Ascent Series, Lidded Container, 1995, Fiddleback blackwood, pink ivory, Gift of Peter Lipton and Candace Lipton Kopel  2009.62.a.b