The Museum of Craft and Design is proud to present a special exhibition celebrating the extraordinary career of Exhibition Designer Theodore (“Ted”) Cohen. Ted has described his techniques and visions in an informative book, The Object in Its Place: The Art of Exhibition Design by Ted Cohen, written by Signe Mayfield, featuring thousands of art objects he has designed in many places throughout his illustrious career. This exhibition brings art from the book to life, celebrating the “fabulous” career of Ted Cohen’s extensive years as an exhibition designer.

Because Ted has brought his design eye to so many artworks in so many spaces throughout so many years, it is hard to choose which objects to feature in a single place. We hope this special selection of works from some of his favorite places, artists, and collectors will give an inspiring glimpse into the aesthetic “worlds” he created.

The exhibition, also designed by Ted Cohen, features artworks from the publication. Culling from museum exhibitions and private collections all designed by Ted’s discerning eye, the exhibition will feature a selection of works in wood, glass, fiber, and ceramics by celebrated artists, such as Mildred Howard, Peter Voulkos, Robert Brady, Marilyn Levine, Mary White, Clifford Rainey, and Therman Statom.

When Theodore Cohen puts The Object in Its Place, it is an exceptional and extraordinary result. He brings the object to life and makes each piece glow in its place.

Above Image: Left section: Entrance to living room in Wyro residence. Foreground: Cini Boeri and Tomu Katayanagi, Ghost Lounge Chair, glass. At back: Bill Concannon, 5000 Volts, neon. Top shelf: Judy Hill, Ida y Volta, glass and ceramic double figure. Lower shelf: Hank Murta Adams, Head, blown glass. Right: Hank Murta Adams, Head, blown glass. Right: Hank Murta Adams, Colossal Olives and Beef (three bottles in glass and tin). On pedestal: Hank Murta Adams, Statistician, cast glass and copper. Photo: Frank McGrath. Right section: Entry to Wyro residence. Right: Robert Arneson, Up Against It, 1980, color lithograph. Left: Xavier Toubes, Head/Cabeza fired clay and glazes.