Lumio Lamp, $165; available in walnut, maple, and cherry; photo: Lucas Saugen
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)’s building may be temporarily closed for expansion construction, but the MuseumStore is ready for the holidays with a newly renovated space at 51 Yerba Buena Lane stocked with an array of contemporary jewelry and accessories, housewares, and children’s gifts, in addition to a wide collection of art and design books. From exclusive, limited-edition items made by the finest local and international designers to inspired stocking stuffers, SFMOMA’s popular MuseumStore offers an artful mix of gift possibilities to delight recipients this season. Below are just a few highlights from the store’s 2013 holiday offerings.
Made in the Bay
Among the many San Francisco-made products the store is proud to offer, Lumio lamps ($160) were designed with the simple thought that light can be taken everywhere. The first portable lamp that folds to the size of a book, the simple design by Max Gunawan is beautiful and rechargeable, and powers on by simply opening the cover. The Morgan Sunglasses ($180) by Capital Eyewear are handmade from U.S.A.-grown cherry hardwood. Each unique, moisture-sealed frame ensures the longevity of this gift for the artfully stylish. Also designed and made locally, durable Fire Hose Mats ($165-$250) by Oxgut Hose Co. for home and garden feature a hand-crafted design using retired fire hose salvaged from U.S. fire departments. Best of all, a portion of proceeds from each purchase will go directly to The Children’s Burn Foundation. The MuseumStore also offers a stunning assortment of jewelry by local favorites Philippa Roberts, Owen McInerney, and Vanessa Gade ($70-$195).
Infinite Tree: Black + White, $35; Johannes Molin, beech wood; photo: courtesy SFMOMA
For the Home
Out of his love and memory of the Scandinavian forest, Johannes Molin created the Infinite Tree ($35) using measurements from the Golden Ratio, a universal proportional system thought to play a role in the human perception of beauty. Children of all ages will delight in Pat Kim’s fun, thoughtful, and timeless Walnut Rockets ($220). Each is hand turned, hand painted, and coated with shellac. The Elliptical Desktop Mobile ($50) by Ekko Workshop will brighten any space, with its colorful, subtly swaying arms reminiscent of works by Alexander Calder.
Just for Kids
For the the little ones on the list, the MuseumStore offers a large selection of items as beautiful as they are playful. The simple yet fun, heirloom-quality wooden Shapes Train Set by Manny and Simon ($60), will help develop the motor skills of any toddler. Future architects will be inspired by the Alphabet Factory Blocks ($70) based on the original House Factory logo, and the Sunny Sock Doll ($20) provides the perfect snuggle buddy for kids of all ages. Designed by Lili Chen and Khrass Feng, these handmade dolls each have unique facial expressions, making them truly one of a kind.
Jewelry and Accessories
This vintage inspired Striped Canvas Tote ($80) by Fredd & Basha will effortlessly transition from winter to spring. Fair trade and handmade in Thailand, this stylish bag boasts a sleek, subtle design. Made entirely from rubber bands, the Modernist Bracelets ($18) by Delight London are hand made using carefully sourced half-inch bands in a range of modern colors. The Vintage German Glass Necklace ($165) is handmade by I. Ronni Kappos. Variations in the beads’ color, or even slight imperfections, add character to the pieces.
Damien Hirst: ABC, $22.50; Hardcover; photo: courtesy SFMOMA
Art Books
Books often make the best gifts of all. The MuseumStore has an extraordinary variety of new selections ranging from The Prints of Ellsworth Kelly ($150), gathering the artist’s entire oeuvre of prints into a two-volume catalogue raisonné; to Damien Hirst: ABC ($22.50) in a playful board book format. Monographs from William Christenberry ($65) and Lorna Simpson ($65) are just two from the large selection of books on artists both famous and lesser known.
Stocking Stuffers
This stainless steel Fish Flask ($30) provides the perfect whimsical addition to any adult stocking. For those who brave the hills on their daily commute, the Bicycle Repair Kit ($22) might be the perfect gift. Presented in a vintage style tin, the kit includes tire levers, a multi-function bike tool, rubber solution, bone wrench, metal rasp, and patches. The final touch for that already overflowing stocking might be the iSpoon Kitchen Stylus ($8), a combination of a traditional wooden mixing spoon and an integrated iPad stylus, for the technologically inclined cook.Stocking Stuffers
About the MuseumStore
The SFMOMA MuseumStore on Yerba Buena Lane is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. The store also has a location on the departure level at the SFO International Terminal, open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The airport space will continue normal operations during expansion construction, and shoppers may also visit sfmoma.org to shop online. When SFMOMA’s expanded home opens in 2016, the store will resume operations inside the museum building at 151 Third Street. Proceeds from SFMOMA’s MuseumStore support the museum’s exhibitions and educational programs.
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