Bernard Kester

Bernard Kester was a prominent Professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he taught ceramics, weaving, and design from 1956 to 1993. He played pivotal roles as Chair of the Art Department (1972–1975) and Acting Dean of the College of Fine Arts, overseeing its restructure into the School of the Arts and the School of Theater, Film and Television. His career was marked by a deep commitment to craft as an art form, evident in his influential exhibitions and educational philosophy.

Kester earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UCLA, later contributing significantly to its academic landscape by initiating the fiber art program. He emphasized expanding students’ creative horizons through liberal arts education and encouraged viewing fiber materials in sculptural contexts.

His research interests centered on ceramic and fiber art, exploring their experimental potential and sculptural applications. He championed the integration of art with architecture, notably designing over 100 exhibitions at LACMA, including major shows such as California Design (1968, 1971, 1976) and landmark exhibitions like Deliberate Entanglements (1971) and Age of the Pharaohs (1974). His work highlighted mastery of light, space, and color harmony, reshaping how art is displayed and perceived.

Kester’s accolades include Fellow of the American Craft Council, Trustee Emeritus of the Museum of Arts and Design, and the International Association of Designers award in textiles. Beyond academia, he promoted craft through his column Letter from Los Angeles in Craft Horizons magazine (1965–1979) and participation in influential exhibitions like California Design.

As an educator, Kester’s legacy includes shaping UCLA’s art programs and fostering a generation of artists. His advocacy for craft’s artistic legitimacy and his architectural contributions to museum design left a lasting impact on both education and exhibition practices.