As part of the historic Museum Row in Los Angeles, The Craft & Folk Art Museum (CAFAM) takes its place amongst bigger institutions like the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and the La Brea Tar Pits. CAFAM's goal is to challenge established ideas about craft and folk art that inspire creativity within us all. CAFAM's lobby and two upper floors showcase special exhibitions that tend to present current artists with a unique spin of traditional crafts, art and design. The museum also has an acclaimed gift store that sells folk art, crafts, jewelry, books and more.
Best and worst time to visit the Craft & Folk Art Museum
Since the CAFAM is a smallish museum, the crowds are never horrible. However, Sundays tend to be busiest, while Tuesdays through Thursdays have lighter attendance. Also note that the museum may be closed for a week or more during new installations; it's best to check the CAFAM website before visiting.
Must See/Do at the Craft & Folk Art Museum
Since CAFAM does not have a permanent collection on display, there are always unique and thought provoking new works and exhibitions to view. However, no trip is complete without a visit to the adjacent CAFAM Gift Store. Also, on the CAFAM patio outside the lobby, there are often craft workshops, demonstrations, vintage marketplaces, and lectures.
Admission to the Craft & Folk Art Museum
General Admission to the CAFAM for adults is under $10, while students, seniors and veterans receive further reduced admission. Children under 10 are free. Hours to CAFAM are Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., and the first Thursday of every month the museum hours are from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
How to get to the Craft & Folk Art Museum
CAFAM is located at 5814 Wilshire Boulevard at Curson Avenue. There are three paid public parking lots surrounding CAFAM (CAFAM does not validate)-the George W. Page Museum Lot (Curson Avenue and Sixth Street); the Museum Square Parking Lot (Curson Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard); and the Wilshire Courtyard Parking Lot (Wilshire Boulevard and Courtyard Place). There is also metered parking along Wilshire Boulevard, Sixth Street and the surrounding side streets. Metro Local Bus Line 20 stops at Wilshire Boulevard and Curson Avenue.
Food at the Craft & Folk Art Museum
There is no restaurant at the CAFAM, but there are dining options along Wilshire and Curson Ave., gourmet food trucks on Wilshire Blvd., as well as the LACMA Café, C&M (Coffee & Milk) and Ray's Restaurant at the nearby Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA).
Insider tips for visitors to the Craft & Folk Art Museum
Sundays at CAFAM, visitors can "pay what you wish" for general admission. Furthering its goal to support local artisans, CAFAM's Gift Store solicits submissions from artists to sell their craft works at the store, which creates another level of artistic viewing and shopping.
Author's bio: Lori Huck works in television development as well as writes on entertainment and the arts. She's a fan of the vibrant arts scene in Los Angeles and is a member of many film, television, and arts organizations.