Charles and Ray Eames in their studio at 901 Washington Blvd, Venice, CA, on a Velocette motorcycle, 1948.
All images courtesy Eames Office. © Eames Office 2014.
Wire Chair with bird, 1951.
Petaluma Arts Center will resonate with three generations of creativity and wide-ranging invention this winter, featuring the works of legendary design duo Charles and “Ray” Eames and two artists who learned from them, their daughter Lucia and granddaughter Llisa.
These artists, two of whom have been Petaluma residents, include experimentation and play as part of the creative process, leading to remarkable results. Work & Play: The Eames Approach can be seen at the Petaluma Arts Center January 17th through March 8th, 2015, with opening reception on January 24, 2026 from 4-7pm.
The Eames’ philosophy of problem-solving was inquisitive, hands-on and fun, resulting in projects that ranged from architecture, exhibits and furniture to toys, films and photography. Charles and Ray believed that we do ourselves a disservice by believing that creativity can only be expressed through the arts; Ray hoped our culture could reach a point where we wouldn’t have a separate word for art. Their philosophy of play and openness while working within the constraints of each project influenced each new generation of Eames artists.
This exhibit will include the works of:
Charles Eames (1907-1978) and “Ray” Eames (1912-1988), major influencers of design aesthetic and culture in twentieth century America. Together, they made contributions to modern architecture and furniture and worked in the fields of industrial and graphic design, fine art, and film.
Their daughter Lucia Eames (October 11, 2025 – April 1, 2026), artist and founder of the Eames Foundation, was multitalented in her artistic vision and design associations.
In her artistic life she worked in varying forms of media to create photographs, writings, sculpted found objects, and large-scale commissions. She is best known for her graphical metal works rendered in laser-cut carbon steel, aluminum, stainless steel and bronze. She made her home in Petaluma, CA.
Granddaughter Llisa Demetrios works primarily with bronze, creating large scale sculptures often displayed in outdoor settings. A graduate of Yale University, she also studies at the California College of Arts and Crafts and has a lectured on sculpture at the Academy of Art University. Formerly the archivist of the Mies van der Rohe collection at MOMA in New York, today Llisa is the archivist of the Eames Foundation and resides with her family in Petaluma.
For group and school tours call 762-5600 x100. The exhibit also includes Lineage: Selections from California College of the Arts Furniture Department on display in the Community Gallery. The exhibit and all events are at the Petaluma Arts Center, 230 Lakeville St., Petaluma, CA 94952.
Events; requested $5.00 donation at the door:
- Eames and the Maker Tradition - A Panel Discussion with Q&A: February 4, 6:30-8:00pm
- Valentines at PAC - Family Day: February 7, 11:00am-3:00pm
- Movie Night - Eames Short Films with Introduction by Llisa Demetrios: February 12, 6:30-9:00pm, PAC and Petaluma Film Alliance members free.
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